World Cup: Donchenko, Martinez, Shankland and Esipenko prevail

Eight players now remain in contention at the FIDE World Cup in Goa, where Sunday’s round-of-16 tiebreaks completed the quarterfinal lineup. Alexander Donchenko, Jose Martinez, Sam Shankland (pictured) and Andrey Esipenko advanced alongside earlier qualifiers, ensuring a diverse field in which no participant has yet played in a Candidates Tournament. With seven nations represented and three coveted Candidates places at stake, the knockout event enters its decisive phase on Monday. | Photo: Eteri Kublashvili