Indian Grandmasters Shine in FIDE World Cup 2025

Vidit, Pranav, and Pranesh Progress in FIDE World Cup

In a thrilling display of skill, India's Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi successfully overcame the defense of Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro during the second rapid game. Alongside him, Pranav V and Pranesh M also triumphed over their opponents in the initial rapid games, securing their spots in the third round of the FIDE World Cup 2025 on Thursday.

Vidit Triumphs Over Young Talent Oro

Despite facing pressure from the 12-year-old Oro in the two classical games, Vidit, aged 31, utilized his experience to achieve a 52-move victory in the second rapid game while playing with black pieces. Pranav managed to defeat Norway's Aryan Tari, and Pranesh outperformed Germany's Dimitrij Kollars, joining fellow competitors like world champion Gukesh D, Arjun Erigasi, P Harikrishna, Karthik Venkatraman, and Diptayan Ghosh in the next round.

Reflecting on his match against the youngest competitor, Vidit acknowledged the challenge posed by the 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 unique style, noting, "The way young players play chess is very different because they have grown up with computers and have much more experience than the previous generation. But it's not like there are many prodigies. He is special because at the age of 12, he is playing like a seasoned player."

Vidit is set to face USA's Sam Shankland, who defeated GM Vasyl Ivanchuk in the previous round.

Pranav and Pranesh Secure Victories

On other boards, world junior champion Pranav, recovering from a loss in the second classical game, won the first rapid game in 44 moves during a rook-pawn ending. He then managed to draw the second game with black, allowing him to advance.

"Today I just tried to play my game and not think about the earlier two games, and my preparations worked out," Pranav commented, as he prepares to face Lithuania's Titas Stremavicius, who triumphed over Wesley So.

In the match between Pranesh and Kollars, the Indian player seized the advantage in the 24th move of the second rapid game, ultimately winning in 48 moves. He will now compete against German GM Vincent Keymer.

Niemann Eliminated in Round 2

In another surprising turn, 10th seed GM Hans Niemann from the USA was eliminated early in the tournament after losing the first rapid game in a lengthy 77 moves against Lorenzo Lodici of Italy. The two had drawn both their classical games.

India's Results (Round 2, Tiebreak)

GM Vidit Gujrathi defeated IM Faustino Oro (ARG) (2.5:1.5 aggregate)

GM Pranav V overcame GM Aryan Tari (NOR) (2.5:1.5 aggregate)

GM Raunak Sadhwani lost to GM Robert Hovhannisyan (ARM) (1:3 aggregate)

GM Pranesh M triumphed over GM Dmitrij Kollars (GER) (3:1 aggregate)

GM Nihal Sarin was defeated by GM Stamatis Kourkoulos-Arditis (GRE) (1.5:2.5 aggregate).