The FIDE World Cup 2025 witnessed spectacular performances from India's chess prodigies as the second round kicked off with dominating displays from the country's top grandmasters.
Gukesh's Strategic Masterclass
Young sensation D Gukesh demonstrated why he's considered among the world's elite, securing a comfortable victory with the white pieces against IM Daniele Vocaturo. The Indian star showcased impeccable technique, gradually building pressure until his Italian opponent had no choice but to resign. Gukesh's precise calculation and positional understanding left little room for counterplay, marking another impressive performance in his World Cup campaign.
Praggnanandhaa's Clinical Finish
R Praggnanandhaa continued his sensational form, outplaying German GM Alexander Donchenko in a game that highlighted his growing maturity. The Chennai-based grandmaster capitalized on small advantages, transforming them into a winning endgame that left his opponent struggling for survival. Praggnanandhaa's ability to convert minimal advantages into full points makes him a serious contender for the World Cup title.
Arjun Erigaisi's Commanding Performance
Arjun Erigaisi joined the victory parade with a brilliant display against Spanish GM Jaime Santos Latasa. Playing with black pieces, Erigaisi demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness, turning a seemingly equal position into a winning advantage through precise calculation and tactical awareness. His victory underscores the depth of Indian chess talent competing at the highest level.
Other Indian Contenders
The Indian dominance extended beyond the top names, with several other players making their mark:
- D Gukesh set the tone with his commanding victory
- R Praggnanandhaa continued his impressive run
- Arjun Erigaisi showcased his tactical prowess
- Multiple other Indian players remained in strong positions
What's Next in the Tournament
With the first game of the two-game classical series completed, all eyes now turn to the second games where the Indian stars will look to consolidate their advantages. The FIDE World Cup format, featuring both classical and rapid tiebreakers, ensures thrilling chess action as players battle for a spot in the Candidates Tournament.
The Indian chess revolution continues to gather momentum as these young grandmasters prove their mettle against international competition. Their simultaneous successes highlight the remarkable growth of chess in India and the world-class training infrastructure that has developed in the country.
