Panaji, Nov 3 (NationPress) GM Narayanan SL and GM Diptayan Ghosh both triumphed in their rapid matches, securing their places in the second round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. Aronyak Ghosh also advanced with a stellar performance during the second stage of the round 1 tiebreak on Monday.

In the initial game, Narayanan, competing with the black pieces, positioned himself advantageously by defeating IM Steven Rojas from Peru in 52 moves and subsequently sealed his victory with white in just 22 moves.

In another match, Diptayan Ghosh persevered through a challenging first game against GM Peng Xiongjian of China, managing to secure a win in 70 moves, thanks to the strategic positioning of his two advancing pawns. He then clinched the second game in 46 moves, setting up a much-anticipated clash with GM Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Reflecting on his success, Narayanan stated, “I considered myself a favorite during the tiebreak. I perform well in shorter formats. When I have doubts, I often consult ChatGPT to see who is favored in tiebreaks, and it confirmed my position as the favorite. My opponent played exceptionally well in the classic matches, which left me uncertain about the outcome.”

“However, I pushed for victory with black and felt confident playing with white,” Narayanan added, as he prepares to face GM Nikita Vitiugov from England in the next round.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 is structured as a single-elimination knockout tournament featuring 206 players from 82 countries competing for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup, named in honor of the legendary Indian chess player.

Previously, six Indian players – Surya Shekhar Ganguly, Pranav V, Raunak Sadhwani, Pranesh M, Karthik Venkatraman, and Iniyan Pa – secured their second-round spots on Sunday and will join eight others who received a bye in the first round due to being among the top 50 ranked players.

India is guaranteed at least one spot in the third round, as Karthik is set to compete against GM Aravindh Chithambaram in the second round on Tuesday.

On Monday, Indian players showcased their skills during the tiebreak, with Aronyak Ghosh, Diptayan Ghosh, and Lalith Babu MR winning their respective matches with white pieces, while Narayanan SL succeeded with black.

After achieving an upset victory against Polish GM Mateusz Bartel in the second classic game on Sunday, Aronyak pinned his opponent’s queen and king to a corner, forcing a resignation after just 19 moves.

Although Rithvik was the only Indian to lose the opening game of the tiebreak, he rebounded by defeating Kazybek Nogerbek from Kazakhstan with black pieces in 52 moves, keeping his hopes alive, while Aronyak experienced setbacks in the second game.

During the second stage of rapid games, Aronyak, playing white, won the first game in 54 moves and then capitalized on Bartel’s mistakes to secure the second game in a mere 20 moves, advancing to the next round, where he will meet GM Levon Aronian from the USA.