The FIDE World Cup in Goa witnessed a tense day for Indian chess, as several of the nation’s top players, including R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, were pushed into crucial tiebreaks. The marquee clash between the two prodigies — ranked among India’s highest-rated players with Elo ratings of 2773 and 2774 respectively — ended in a hard-fought draw, setting the stage for a high-pressure rapid playoff.
Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa: A High-Stakes Stalemate
All eyes were on the all-Indian battle between Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa, a matchup that has come to symbolize the new generation of Indian chess excellence. Despite Erigaisi having the white pieces and a slight opening advantage, neither player could break through the other’s deep preparation and defensive precision. The game stretched beyond 36 moves before they agreed to a draw, mirroring their result from the previous day and ensuring their duel heads to the tiebreak stage.
Speaking after the game, Praggnanandhaa admitted the contest was mentally exhausting. “At this level, every move counts. Arjun was well-prepared, and I just focused on staying solid,” he said. Both players now turn their attention to the rapid format, where time pressure and tactical sharpness often decide the outcome.
Dubov’s Challenge and the Tiebreak Crucible
Elsewhere, Russian Grandmaster Daniil Dubov — known for his creative and attacking style — also split points with Praggnanandhaa in their second classical game. Though unable to press for a win, Dubov’s proven strength in rapid formats ensures that the tiebreaks will be anything but predictable. The faster time control is expected to heighten the drama, demanding lightning-fast calculation and composure under pressure.
Veteran Grandmaster Pentala Harikrishna, too, found himself heading for tiebreaks after a balanced encounter with his opponent. Vidit Gujrathi and Karthik Venkataraman faced similar fates, unable to secure decisive results despite promising positions. For India’s contingent, Round 4 has become a test of endurance as much as of skill, with all eyes now on the rapid stage that will determine who advances.
Other Key Battles and Tournament Dynamics
Beyond the Indian matches, several noteworthy encounters shaped the day’s narrative. The Praggnanandhaa–Dubov clash was marked by minor inaccuracies from both sides, reflecting the strain of high-stakes classical play. Wednesday’s earlier rounds had seen tighter, more clinical games — a reminder of how fatigue and psychological pressure can influence even elite players.
In other contests, Sweden’s Nils Grandelius held firm against Peruvian GM José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara, despite facing sustained pressure in the endgame. Meanwhile, Armenian-born Indian GM Levon Aronian scored a crucial win over Polish GM Radosław Wojtaszek, boosting his campaign momentum.
Final Take
With multiple matches heading into tiebreaks, the World Cup’s next phase promises fast-paced, nerve-racking chess. The shift to rapid time controls will test the adaptability of India’s top players, who carry the nation’s hopes into Thursday’s deciders. One slip — or one flash of brilliance — could be all it takes to swing the balance.
