Indian Contingent Sees Mixed Fortunes at FIDE World Cup
The ongoing FIDE World Cup 2025 has delivered a rollercoaster of results for the Indian chess contingent. While Grandmasters Arjun Erigaisi and P. Harikrishna successfully navigated their challenges to move forward in the prestigious tournament, the campaign came to an end for the young prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa. The event, which is a key qualifier for the World Championship cycle, is being closely watched by the global chess community.
Erigaisi's Masterful Victory with Black Pieces
In one of the standout performances of the round, Arjun Erigaisi, playing with the black pieces, demonstrated exceptional skill against his opponent. The game began as a Spanish opening, a classic choice that led to a complex middlegame. The players castled on opposite sides of the board, a situation that often signals an all-out attack on each other's kings. His opponent launched an early aggressive assault on the king-side, but Erigaisi remained calm under pressure. He methodically repulsed the attack, neutralizing the threats and steadily improving his own position. After 40 moves, Erigaisi's precise play forced his opponent to resign, securing a crucial point and his place in the next round.
Harikrishna Progresses as Praggnanandhaa Bows Out
Veteran Indian Grandmaster P. Harikrishna also showcased his experience by winning his match and advancing further in the knockout tournament. His steady and calculated approach proved effective, adding another victory to India's tally. However, the day brought disappointment for R. Praggnanandhaa, who was knocked out of the competition. The defeat marks the end of the road for the talented youngster in this year's World Cup, a setback in his quest to qualify for the Candidates tournament.
The results from 13th November 2025 highlight the intense and unpredictable nature of the FIDE World Cup. With Erigaisi and Harikrishna still in the fray, Indian fans now pin their hopes on these two Grandmasters to make a deep run in the tournament and keep the nation's flag flying high on the global chess stage.
