How Did Karthik Venkataraman Defeat Deac to Advance in FIDE World Cup?
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Synopsis
GM Karthik Venkataraman's remarkable journey continues in the FIDE World Cup 2025 as he overcomes GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac in a thrilling tiebreaker. With a strategic edge, he advances to face Le Quang Liem, showcasing the intense pressure players endure in this prestigious tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Karthik's strategic victory over Deac showcases his strong chess skills.
- The knockout format adds intense pressure for all players.
- Five Indian players advance to the fourth round, highlighting the growing talent in Indian chess.
- Vidit Gujrathi and Narayanan SL faced tough eliminations, showing the challenges of high-level competition.
- Karthik aims to continue his success against Le Quang Liem.
Panaji (Goa), Nov 9 (NationPress) GM Karthik Venkataraman has been on an impressive journey in the FIDE World Cup 2025, securing his spot in the fourth round after triumphing over GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac (ROU) in the second game of the tiebreaker with black pieces on Sunday.
Karthik drew the first rapid game with white, but successfully cornered Deac’s king and leveraged his extra bishop to clinch victory in 43 moves.
“My classical game against Deac didn’t go as planned, but I managed to hold my ground. However, I felt confident in both rapid games. I’m not sure if I was outright winning in the first game, but I was certainly in a better position. The second game went smoothly,” Karthik commented, as he prepares to face Le Quang Liem from Vietnam next.
Reflecting on the intense atmosphere of the World Cup, the two-time National Champion, who previously overcame compatriot Aravindh Chithambaram in the second round, stated, “Chess players are not accustomed to this format. Usually, it’s a Swiss or round-robin system, allowing some breathing room. Here, the constant threat of elimination adds significant pressure.”
With Karthik’s win, a total of five Indian competitors will compete in the fourth round, as the Viswanathan Anand Cup and three Candidate Sports head toward the critical phase following a rest day on Monday.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing day for Vidit Gujrathi and Narayanan SL. Vidit began the tiebreaker with a full point after defeating Shankland in the first rapid game, lasting 75 moves.
However, he faltered in the second game due to a misjudgment with queen exchanges under time pressure, leading to his defeat in 49 moves and a subsequent set of rapid games. Ultimately, he lost the sixth game with white pieces in 61 moves, resulting in his elimination.
Narayanan SL faced a setback in another lengthy battle that stretched 125 moves, ultimately succumbing to Chinese GM Yu Yangyi. The second game concluded in a draw, leading to his exit from the tournament.
Indian Results (Round 3, Tiebreaker)
GM Karthik Venkataraman bt GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac (ROU) 2.5-1.5
GM Narayanan SL lost to GM Yu Yangyi (CHN) 1.5:2.5
GM Vidit Gujrathi lost to GM Sam Shankland (USA) 2.5:3.5
Point of View
It is evident that Karthik's victory not only highlights his skill but also the evolving landscape of Indian chess on a global stage. His performance amidst the pressures of the FIDE World Cup reflects the growth and competitive spirit of our chess players, bringing pride to our nation.
NationPress
09/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FIDE World Cup?
The FIDE World Cup is a prestigious chess tournament organized by FIDE, featuring top players from around the globe competing in knockout format.
Who is Karthik Venkataraman?
GM Karthik Venkataraman is an Indian chess grandmaster known for his impressive skills and strategic gameplay, currently competing in the FIDE World Cup 2025.
What were the results of the Indian players in Round 3?
In Round 3, Karthik Venkataraman advanced by defeating Bogdan-Daniel Deac, while Vidit Gujrathi and Narayanan SL were eliminated after their respective matches.
How does the knockout format affect players?
The knockout format increases the pressure on players, as each game can lead to elimination, contrasting with more relaxed formats like Swiss or round-robin.
What’s next for Karthik Venkataraman?
Karthik will face Le Quang Liem in the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup, continuing his pursuit of success in this prestigious event.
