NT Reporter
Arpora
Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna set the pace for India in Round 3 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 on Friday, producing sharp wins with white pieces, while Gukesh D, R Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi logged solid draws with black to stay well placed in the knockout battle.
Arjun, India’s highest-ranked player in the competition, dismantled Uzbekistan’s Shamsiddin Vokhidov in 30 moves, maintaining complete control from the start and sealing his third straight classical victory. Harikrishna struck even earlier, surprising Belgium’s Daniel Dardha in the Sicilian Classical and forcing a swift resignation in 25 moves. “I had prepared something new… my opponent simply missed the danger,” he said afterward.
With ten Indians in the third round of the 206-player event chasing the Viswanathan Anand Cup, the day brought encouraging results across the board. Gukesh comfortably held Germany’s Frederik Svane, Praggnanandhaa kept Armenia’s Robert Hovhannisyan in check, and Vidit neutralised American GM Sam Shankland.
All three return with white pieces in Game 2, giving them momentum to push for Round 4.
