Indian Chess Stars Battle Through to World Cup Tiebreaks
Three Indian Grandmasters demonstrated remarkable resilience at the FIDE World Cup 2025 as Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa and P Harikrishna all secured their spots in the tiebreak rounds following intense fourth-round classical games on Wednesday.
Strategic Battles on the Top Boards
Arjun Erigaisi, commanding the white pieces, engaged in a strategic duel against Hungary's veteran GM Peter Leko. The Indian prodigy employed the Nimzo-Indian Defence and showcased exceptional preparation during the opening phase, actually gaining time advantage after just 16 moves. Despite pressing for opportunities in the middlegame, Arjun eventually agreed to a draw after 36 moves when the position became balanced with multiple exchanges.
Leko later acknowledged Arjun's impressive approach, stating: "I am getting more and more in my preparations and I wasn't really afraid of Arjun's opening line. I knew that this b5 that I played is quite solid and there cannot be any miracle in this position. But over the board when Arjun is blitzing all his moves, I know that there is always some pressure. But it was more or less equal all the time."
Praggnanandhaa and Harikrishna Show Grit
Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa demonstrated sharp handling of the black pieces against GM Daniil Dubov. The young Indian talent navigated through complex positions skillfully, though neither player could find a decisive breakthrough. Their encounter concluded peacefully after 30 moves, sending the match to the tiebreak stage.
In another gripping contest, P Harikrishna found himself in challenging circumstances despite playing with white against Sweden's GM Nils Grandelius. The experienced Indian Grandmaster displayed tremendous defensive skills in a tense bishop-and-pawn endgame that lasted 38 moves, ultimately salvaging a draw and forcing his match into the decisive tiebreak phase.
Tournament Developments and Indian Campaign
Among the five Indians who reached the fourth round, the trio of Arjun, Praggnanandhaa and Harikrishna successfully kept their championship aspirations alive. Unfortunately, the campaign of world junior champion Pranav V came to an end after he lost his second game to Uzbekistan's GM Nodirbek Yakubboev in 38 moves.
In other tournament news, GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara became the first player to secure a spot in the round of 16 following a quick 20-move draw with GM Alexey Sarana, having won the first game on Tuesday. The Peruvian now awaits the winner of the Harikrishna-Grandelius matchup.
The tiebreak matches for all remaining fourth-round contests are scheduled for Thursday, where the Indian Grandmasters will battle for places in the prestigious round of 16 at one of chess's most prestigious events.
