Panaji, Nov 12 (NationPress) Grandmaster (GM) Arjun Erigaisi and GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa both secured solid draws, while Pentala Harikrishna managed to salvage a tough situation to advance to tiebreaks in the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup 2025 held here on Wednesday.

Erigaisi opted for a draw after 36 moves against the seasoned GM Peter Leko from Hungary while playing with the white pieces. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa concluded his game in a draw after 30 moves against GM Daniil Dubov. Harikrishna also settled for a draw after a 38-move match with GM Nils Grandelius from Sweden.

In an impressive display, GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara, who triumphed with the black pieces on Tuesday, became the first player to progress to the Round of 16. He opted for a threefold repetition, drawing against GM Alexey Sarana in just 20 moves. His next opponent will be the victor of the match between Harikrishna and Grandelius.

Also moving forward was two-time champion GM Levon Aronian, who concluded his second game with a draw after 35 moves against GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek.

All eyes were on Arjun and Praggnanandhaa, two of the five Indians competing in the fourth round, as they took the top boards.

Erigaisi initiated the game with the Nimzo-Indian opening against Leko and showcased good preparation, gaining time on the clock after 16 moves. However, Leko defended skillfully, and the highest-ranked Indian exchanged queens on the 20th move after a lengthy thought of 26 moves. Despite his efforts to press forward, he couldn’t secure a breakthrough.

“My preparations are improving, and I wasn’t intimidated by Arjun’s opening line. I was confident that my b5 move was solid, and there were no surprises in this position. However, with Arjun making quick moves, I felt the pressure. Overall, it was a balanced position,” Leko commented post-match.

Praggnanandhaa was content with his draw in 30 moves against GM Dubov. He will now face the former World Rapid Champion with the black pieces in the first game.

In the encounter between Harikrishna and Grandelius, the Indian player appeared to be under pressure while playing with the white pieces. Nevertheless, he maintained composure and secured a draw in a bishop-pawn endgame.

Meanwhile, world junior champion Pranav V. faced elimination from the tournament after succumbing to GM Nodirbek Yakubboev of Uzbekistan in 38 moves.

India results (Round 4, Game 2):

GM Arjun Erigaisi drew with GM Peter Leko (HUN) (1:1 aggregate)

GM Daniil Dubov (FID) drew with GM R Praggnanandhaa (1:1 aggregate)

GM P Harikrishna drew with GM Nils Grandelius (SWE) (1:1 aggregate)

GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (UZB) defeated GM Pranav V. (1.5:0.5 aggregate)

GM Karthik Venkataraman lost to GM Le Quang Liem (VIE) (0.5:1.5 aggregate)