Did Erigaisi and Harikrishna Shine in the FIDE World Cup While Praggnanandhaa Fell Short?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling day at the FIDE World Cup 2025, Indian chess stars GM Arjun Erigaisi and Pentala Harikrishna advanced to the pre-quarterfinals, showcasing remarkable skills. However, R. Praggnanandhaa faced elimination at the hands of GM Daniil Dubov. The competition heats up as the stakes rise in Panaji, Goa.
Key Takeaways
- Erigaisi wins both rapid games against Leko.
- Harikrishna capitalizes on opportunities to beat Grandelius.
- Praggnanandhaa exits after a loss to Dubov.
- Two Indian players advance to the next round.
- Intense matches highlight the competitiveness of the tournament.
Panaji, Nov 13 (NationPress) GM Arjun Erigaisi triumphed over GM Peter Leko in both rapid games, while Pentala Harikrishna seized his opportunities to overcome GM Nils Grandelius in the second game, securing their spots in the pre-quarterfinals of the FIDE World Cup 2025 held in Panaji, Goa, on Thursday.
Unfortunately, R. Praggnanandhaa saw his journey end with a loss to former World Rapid Champion GM Daniil Dubov in the fifth round.
With Pranav V. and Karthik Venkataraman falling short in their classical games in Round 5, three Indian players entered the tiebreak, with two moving on to the next stage.
Erigaisi emerged as the standout performer, winning the first Rapid game in 40 moves with black after capitalizing on Leko’s pawn sacrifice error, then dominating the second game in 57 moves as Leko took risks in a must-win scenario. “I am very happy. The tiebreak went well. The classical games were pretty intense, and I had a slight advantage in the second game, but he showed his class to draw. But in the tiebreak, I was pretty much in control,” said Erigaisi, who now prepares to face two-time World Cup champion GM Levon Aronian.
Also moving forward is Harikrishna, who managed to hold Grandelius in the first game with black and then outperformed him in 34 moves with white, setting up a Round of 16 match against the formidable GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara.
In another significant matchup, Praggnanandhaa drew the initial Rapid game with black in 12 moves but risked a win with white, which ultimately backfired as Dubov executed a strong attacking strategy to win in 53 moves.
In other notable matches, GM Aleksey Grebnev bested GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave after winning the first Rapid game with white in 70 moves and drawing the second. GM Sam Shankland from the United States claimed victory in both rapid games against GM Richard Rapport of Hungary to reach the Round of 16.
India results (Round 4, Tiebreak):
GM Arjun Erigaisi bt GM Peter Leko (HUN) (3:1 aggregate)
GM R Praggnanandhaa lost to GM Daniil Dubov (FID) (1.5:2.5 aggregate)
GM P Harikrishna bt GM Nils Grandelius (SWE) (2.5:1.5 aggregate)
Point of View
It is evident that the talent displayed by Indian chess players in the FIDE World Cup is commendable. The victories of Erigaisi and Harikrishna highlight the country's growing prowess in chess, while Praggnanandhaa's exit serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of this sport. We stand by our players, celebrating their achievements and supporting them in their future endeavors.
NationPress
13/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the matches in the FIDE World Cup 2025?
GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM Pentala Harikrishna won their matches, while R. Praggnanandhaa lost his.
What city is hosting the FIDE World Cup 2025?
The FIDE World Cup 2025 is being held in Panaji, Goa.
What round did Praggnanandhaa reach before being eliminated?
Praggnanandhaa reached the fifth round before being eliminated.
