World champion D Gukesh exits FIDE World Cup 2025 . [Photo: X/Chess.com - India]
World champion D Gukesh made a surprising early exit from the FIDE World Cup 2025, losing his third-round match to Germany’s Frederik Svane. The defeat came as a shock to fans, given Gukesh’s impressive run this year, including his world title win earlier in 2025.
The young Indian grandmaster lost the second classical game of the third round, ending his campaign 0.5–1.5. Svane, known for his tactical sharpness, capitalized on a small positional slip and converted it into one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
The game began with an Italian Opening, a familiar territory for both players. However, Gukesh misjudged a crucial position when the game was still balanced. His knight-and-pawn endgame soon turned disadvantageous, allowing Svane to showcase his impeccable endgame technique.
Chess analysts praised Svane’s precision. Gukesh’s position deteriorated quickly, and with limited counterplay, he was forced to concede, marking one of the rare defeats in his recent career.
While Gukesh’s loss disappointed Indian fans, there was plenty of good news from the rest of the contingent. Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa advanced to the last 32 with convincing performances.
Erigaisi secured a draw against Shamsiddin Vokhidov of Uzbekistan, which was enough after his earlier win. Praggnanandhaa, meanwhile, bounced back from a first-round draw to defeat Robert Hovhannisyan of Armenia in style, showing deep preparation and attacking play.
Veteran P Harikrishna and rising star V Pranav also entered the last-32 stage, both winning by 1.5–0.5 margins. Harikrishna outplayed Daniel Dardha of Belgium, sealing his spot after a smooth endgame win.
Pranav displayed similar control against Titas Stremavicius of Lithuania. After winning the first game with white, he coolly defended the second with black, drawing the game in a rook-and-pawns endgame.
Diptayan Ghosh could not continue his strong momentum. Despite earlier eliminating top Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi, he lost to Gabriel Sargissian of Armenia. After drawing the first game, Diptayan faltered in the second, losing 0.5–1.5.
The FIDE World Cup 2025 has turned into a roller-coaster ride for Indian chess. While Gukesh’s early exit stunned fans, India still has several contenders in strong form heading into the knockout rounds.
The focus now shifts to Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, Harikrishna, and Pranav, as they aim to keep India’s hopes alive for a spot in the final stages of the prestigious tournament.
