FIDE World Cup: Arjun Erigaisi, Harikrishna register emphatic wins; Gukesh, Pragg draw with black in first game of Round 3

In Panaji, India, the first day of the FIDE World Cup 2025 kicked off with a bang. Two of the country’s top grandmasters—Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna—were the stars of the opening round, while world champion Gukesh D settled for a solid draw.

Arjun made a clean sweep. He faced Uzbekistan’s Shamsiddin Vokhidov and finished in just 30 moves. The Indian’s play was slick and he never stumbled, keeping the pressure on and never looking worried. “I was only thinking about the quickest way to finish,” Arjun said after his win. His victory puts him firmly in the driver’s seat for the next round.

P Harikrishna was no less impressive. He surprised his Belgian opponent, Daniel Dardha, by coming out of a Sicilian Classical variation and forcing an early resignation in 25 moves. “I had prepared a new line,” Harikrishna told reporters. “My opponent didn’t see the danger. It was a nice trick on my side.” This win marks Harikrishna as the first player to move ahead in the third round.

The World Cup is a single‑elimination event with 206 players from 82 countries, all battling for the Viswanathan Anand Cup. Ten Indians have already reached the third round, and Arjun and Harikrishna’s performances show why they’re favorite contenders.

Gukesh D, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi all drew their matches with black pieces. These draws mean they’ll have a chance to play for a win with white in the next game and move forward.

Panaji, November 7 – Indian Highlights

• GM Arjun Erigaisi beat GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov (UZB) – 1‑0
• GM P Harikrishna beat GM Daniel Dardha (BEL) – 1‑0
• GM Gukesh D drew with GM Frederik Svane (GER) – 0.5‑0.5
• GM R Praggnanandhaa drew with GM Robert Hovhannisyan (ARM) – 0.5‑0.5
• GM Vidit Gujrathi drew with GM Sam Shankland (USA) – 0.5‑0.5

The action continues as players look to advance to the next round, hoping to claim the coveted Anand Cup.

Source: ianslive


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