Panaji, Nov 6 (NationPress) India’s GM Vidit Gujrathi successfully overcame the defense of the Argentine chess sensation Faustino Oro in the second rapid game during the FIDE World Cup 2025, held here on Thursday. Pranav V and Pranesh M also triumphed over their respective adversaries in the initial set of rapid games, propelling them to the third round.

Despite facing pressure from the 12-year-old Oro in the two classical games, the 31-year-old Indian veteran leveraged his experience to secure a 52-move victory in the second rapid game, playing with black pieces. Pranav emerged victorious against Norway's Aryan Tari, while Pranesh triumphed over Germany's Dimitrij Kollars, joining renowned players like Gukesh D, Arjun Erigasi, P Harikrishna, Karthik Venkatraman, and Diptayan Ghosh in the next round.

Reflecting on his match against the youngest competitor, Vidit acknowledged that the encounter was demanding as the pressure was on him. He stated, “It feels wonderful to qualify for the next round. It was a tough match, making the victory even more satisfying.”

Vidit also praised the young Argentine player, noting, “The style of young players in chess is notably different, as they have grown up in a world of computers, gaining experiences beyond what previous generations had. However, exceptional talents are rare. He stands out, playing at a remarkable level for just 12 years of age.”

Next, Vidit will face USA’s Sam Shankland, who triumphed over GM Vasyl Ivanchuk in the second round.

On other boards, world junior champion Pranav overcame a loss in the second classical game on Wednesday to clinch the first rapid game in 44 moves during a rook-pawn ending. He then held the Norwegian to a draw in the second game with black, ensuring his advancement.

“Today, I focused on my gameplay and put aside thoughts of the previous two matches; my preparations paid off,” Pranav remarked, who will now compete against Titas Stremavicius of Lithuania, who defeated Wesley So in the second round.

In the contest between Pranesh and Kollars, the Indian player, playing black, seized the advantage in the 24th move of the second rapid game and maintained it to win in 48 moves. He is set to face German GM Vincent Keymer next.

Meanwhile, 10th seed GM Hans Niemann of the USA was eliminated early from the tournament after losing the first rapid game in a grueling 77 moves against Italy's Lorenzo Lodici. Both classical games between the two ended in draws.