The FIDE World Cup 2025 in Baku witnessed spectacular performances from Indian chess grandmasters as the third round commenced with both decisive results and hard-fought draws. The Indian contingent demonstrated their formidable strength with Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna registering emphatic victories, while young prodigies D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa held their ground with black pieces.
Dominant Performances by Erigaisi and Harikrishna
Arjun Erigaisi delivered a commanding performance against Russian Grandmaster Alexandr Predke, showcasing exceptional strategic prowess with the white pieces. The match saw Erigaisi outmaneuver his opponent in a complex middlegame, ultimately forcing resignation and securing a crucial victory in the first game of their two-game classical series.
Equally impressive was veteran Grandmaster P Harikrishna, who demonstrated his experience and technical mastery against Polish player Mateusz Bartel. Playing with white pieces, Harikrishna constructed a powerful attacking position that left his opponent with limited counterplay opportunities, culminating in a well-earned victory that puts him in a favorable position heading into the second game.
Solid Defensive Displays by Young Stars
The rising stars of Indian chess, D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, both faced the challenging task of defending with black pieces against strong opponents. Gukesh, who recently made headlines with his Candidates Tournament victory, faced Russian Grandmaster Sanan Sjugirov in a tightly contested battle that eventually ended in a draw after careful maneuvering from both sides.
Praggnanandhaa, the young sensation from Chennai, matched wits with Russian Grandmaster Maksim Chigaev in a game that featured complex positional nuances. Despite the inherent disadvantage of playing black, Praggnanandhaa navigated the complications expertly to split the point, keeping the match perfectly balanced ahead of the second classical game.
Tournament Context and Indian Representation
The FIDE World Cup 2025 represents a crucial qualifying pathway for the World Championship cycle, with the semifinalists earning spots in the prestigious Candidates Tournament. The strong showing by Indian players in the early rounds underscores the nation's growing dominance in international chess, with multiple contenders capable of deep tournament runs.
The third round matches follow a two-game classical format, with tiebreaks scheduled if required. The Indian contingent features prominently in the 206-player field, with several players demonstrating the potential to advance to the latter stages of the competition being held in Azerbaijan's capital city.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on the Indian stars who have consistently performed at the highest level of international chess. Their simultaneous success in the same round highlights the depth of chess talent emerging from India and positions the country as a formidable force in the global chess arena.
