NT Reporter | Arpora
The FIDE World Cup 2025 has reached its decisive stages, with five Indian Grandmasters still in contention for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Trophy and three coveted Candidates spots.
After a rest day, all eyes will be on GM Arjun Erigaisi, now the highest seed remaining, who faces Hungarian veteran Peter Leko — once the world’s youngest Grandmaster in 1994. Meanwhile, GM R Praggnanandhaa meets Russia’s creative tactician Daniil Dubov, while GM Karthik Venkataraman takes on Vietnam’s Le Quang Liem. World junior champion Pranav V squares off against Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Yakubboev, and GM P Harikrishna battles Sweden’s Nils Grandelius.
The tournament has already seen a string of upsets — world champion D Gukesh, Dutch No.1 Anish Giri, and Indian star Aravindh Chitambaram all exiting early. French ace Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and German prodigy Vincent Keymer remain among the biggest non-Indian names still in the mix, though only one can advance past the fifth round as per the draw.
Two-time champion Levon Aronian faces Radosław Wojtaszek and could set up a mouthwatering clash with Erigaisi in the next round.
Hosting the World Cup for the first time in 23 years, India has witnessed a phenomenal fan response. FIDE’s new “Photo Slot” — allowing spectators to take pictures or selfies with players in action — has sold out every day since its introduction. The 100 daily slots priced at `500, along with fan zone passes at `1,000 and general tickets at `300, have drawn packed crowds.
