Indian Chess Players Shine at FIDE World Cup 2025

Vidit Gujrathi Triumphs Over Young Talent

In a thrilling match at the FIDE World Cup 2025, India's Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi successfully overcame the defense of 12-year-old Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro during the second rapid game. This victory allowed Vidit to advance to the third round, showcasing his experience against the young challenger.

Despite facing pressure in the earlier classical games, the 31-year-old Indian player secured a hard-fought win in 52 moves while playing with black pieces. Alongside Vidit, fellow Indian players Pranav V and Pranesh M also triumphed in their respective matches, moving forward in the tournament.

Reflecting on his match against Oro, Vidit expressed the challenges of competing against such a young player, stating, "It feels good to qualify for the next round. It was not an easy match, so it feels good all the more." He praised Oro's skills, noting that young players today have a different approach to chess due to their exposure to technology.

Vidit is set to face USA's Sam Shankland, who recently defeated GM Vasyl Ivanchuk.

Pranav V and Pranesh M Advance

On other boards, world junior champion Pranav V bounced back from a loss in the second classical game to win the first rapid game against Norway's Aryan Tari in 44 moves. He then managed to secure a draw in the second game, allowing him to progress.

Pranav commented, "Today I just tried to play my game and not think about the earlier two games, and my preparations worked out." He will now compete against Lithuania's Titas Stremavicius, who eliminated Wesley So.

Pranesh M also advanced after gaining an advantage in the 24th move of his second rapid game against Dimitrij Kollars, ultimately winning in 48 moves. He will face German GM Vincent Keymer next.

Surprising Exit for Hans Niemann

In a surprising turn of events, 10th seed GM Hans Niemann from the USA was knocked out of the tournament after losing the first rapid game to Lorenzo Lodici of Italy, following a lengthy 77-move battle. The two had previously drawn both classical games.

India's Results in Round 2 Tiebreak

Here are the results for Indian players in the Round 2 tiebreak:

• GM Vidit Gujrathi defeated IM Faustino Oro (ARG) with a 2.5:1.5 aggregate.


• GM Pranav V triumphed over GM Aryan Tari (NOR) with a 2.5:1.5 aggregate.


• GM Raunak Sadhwani lost to GM Robert Hovhannisyan (ARM) with a 1:3 aggregate.


• GM Pranesh M beat GM Dmitrij Kollars (GER) with a 3:1 aggregate.


• GM Nihal Sarin lost to GM Stamatis Kourkoulos-Arditis (GRE) with a 1.5:2.5 aggregate.