India's challenge narrows at FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 as three GMs head to tense tie-breaks

The excitement at the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is reaching a fever pitch as the competition gets tougher. What started as a massive contingent of 24 Indian chess players has now been whittled down to just three. The hopes of the host nation now rest on the shoulders of three elite Indian GMs: second-seed Arjun Erigaisi, third-seed R Praggnanandhaa, and the experienced veteran Pentala P Harikrishna. All three are now headed into high-stakes tie-breaks on Thursday to fight for their place in the tournament.

Unfortunately, Wednesday saw the impressive runs of two other Indians come to an end. The challenge from Pranav V and Karthik Venkataraman concluded in the fourth round. Pranav V couldn't overcome the pressure from Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Yakubboev, while Karthik Venkataraman was defeated by Vietnam's Le Quang Liem, a former World Blitz Champion. Both players showed great spirit to reach this stage of the Goa chess tournament.

The remaining trio faced tough opposition, resulting in draws that forced the tie-breaks. Arjun Erigaisi faced Hungarian GM Peter Leko. After two quick games, Leko’s solid defence gave Arjun no clear chances, leading to a draw. Leko later admitted he wasn't afraid of Arjun's opening. Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa, the 2023 finalist, faced Russia's creative Daniil Dubov. Dubov played an unusual opening, but Pragg responded with perfect accuracy, forcing a draw after 30 moves.

In the third crucial match, P Harikrishna found himself in a difficult position against Sweden's Nils Grandelius. Grandelius had a clear advantage but couldn't convert it against the Indian's expert endgame skills, allowing Harikrishna to salvage a draw. With the classical games decided, all eyes are now on the thrilling, fast-paced tie-breaks at the Chess World Cup Goa, where India's remaining heroes will battle for survival.