Indian Grandmasters Shine in FIDE World Cup 2025, Advancing to Next Round

In an exciting display of skill, Indian Grandmasters Narayanan SL and Diptayan Ghosh have advanced to the second round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. Both players showcased their prowess in rapid games, with Narayanan defeating IM Steven Rojas and Diptayan overcoming GM Peng Xiongjian. Aronyak Ghosh also joined them after a strong performance in the tiebreaks. The tournament, featuring 206 players from 82 countries, is a knockout event competing for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup. With several Indian players already securing their spots, the competition is heating up as they aim for further success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2025, 02:17 IST

Grandmasters Secure Their Spots

In Panaji, Goa, on November 3, Grandmaster Narayanan SL and GM Diptayan Ghosh both triumphed in their rapid games, securing their advancement to the second round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. They were joined by Aronyak Ghosh, who delivered an impressive performance during the Round 1 tiebreak on Monday.

Narayanan, playing with black pieces, took control early by defeating IM Steven Rojas from Peru in 52 moves. He then concluded the match swiftly with a victory in just 22 moves while playing white.

Meanwhile, Diptayan Ghosh achieved a hard-fought win against GM Peng Xiongjian of China, taking 70 moves in the first game. He capitalized on two advancing pawns to revive his queen and followed up with a win in 46 moves, setting up a second-round match against GM Ian Nepomniachtchi.

Reflecting on his success, Narayanan expressed confidence in the tiebreak format, stating, "I believed I was favored in the tiebreak. I tend to perform well in shorter formats. When I feel uncertain, I consult ChatGPT to gauge my standing, and it indicated I was the favorite this time too. My opponent played exceptionally well in the classic games, leaving me unsure of what to expect."

He added, "However, I pushed for a win with black and felt confident with white," as he prepares to face GM Nikita Vitiugov from England in the upcoming round.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 features a knockout format with 206 players from 82 nations competing for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup, named in honor of the legendary Indian chess player.

On Sunday, six Indian players—Surya Shekhar Ganguly, Pranav V, Raunak Sadhwani, Pranesh M, Karthik Venkatraman, and Iniyan Pa—secured their places in the second round, joining eight others who received byes due to their top-50 rankings.

India is guaranteed at least one spot in the third round, as Karthik is set to compete against GM Aravindh Chithambaram on Tuesday.

In the tiebreak's initial game, Indian players showcased their skills, with Aronyak Ghosh, Diptayan Ghosh, and Lalith Babu MR winning their matches while Narayanan SL also claimed victory.

Aronyak, who had previously upset Polish GM Mateusz Bartel in the second classic game, cornered his opponent's queen and king, forcing a resignation after just 19 moves.

Rithvik was the sole Indian to lose his opening tiebreak game but rebounded by defeating Kazybek Nogerbek from Kazakhstan in 52 moves, keeping his hopes alive, while Aronyak faced challenges in the second game.

In the second stage of rapid games, Aronyak played white, winning the first game in 54 moves and capitalizing on Bartel's mistakes to win the second in a mere 20 moves, advancing to the next round where he will face GM Levon Aronian from the US.