World Cup Round 5 Game 2: Chinese momentum, Uzbek steel, and Armenian tragedy in a thrilling day of chess
Round after round, the FIDE World Cup in Goa continues to deliver high-level chess and gripping storylines. Today’s classical games brought a mixture of precise technique, strategic battles, and edge-of-the-seat tension, with several matches heading toward the inevitable tiebreaks. From commanding wins to miraculous escapes, the field once again showcased the depth and fighting spirit of the world’s elite players. It was a difficult day for Armenian chess, marked by the sudden and emotionally heavy exit of two of its most iconic figures. Levon Aronian, once the heartbeat of Armenian teams and now a pillar of American chess, fell after a tense, error-studded battle. Minutes later, Gabriel Sargissian, long admired for his team heroics and impeccable opening preparation, also bowed out after a single, costly misstep. Their simultaneous elimination closed a chapter of resilience and brilliance that has defined Armenian chess for two decades. But if anyone needed a reminder of the steely resolve that made Uzbekistan Olympiad champions, today’s games provided it. Under pressure, under fire, or under the clock, the Uzbek players simply refused to break. Javokhir Sindarov coolly neutralized every attempt to unbalance him, while Nodirbek Yakubboev struck with cold precision to secure his spot in the next stage. Their collective discipline and composure have become one of the defining narratives of the event: unyielding, confident, and remarkably mature for such a young squad. Let’s take a closer look at this afternoon’s action in the Goa Resort Rio. With so much at stake, it was clear from the outset that several matches were destined for the tiebreaks. And indeed, the first two games to finish — just shy of the two-hour mark — were precisely the two I had predicted before the round began. The round was officially opened by GM Humpy Koneru, runner-up of the Women’s World Championship and reigning two-time Women’s World Rapid Champion, who performed the first ceremonial move on Board 3 for former World Rapid Champion GM Daniil Dubov. GM Daniil Dubov’s (2684) classical-game strategy in this event has been remarkably consistent: minimise risk, avoid unnecessary complications, and steer the match toward rapid tiebreaks, where he excels as a former World Rapid Champion. It was therefore no surprise that he opted to reproduce a line from a previous game between GM Sam Shankland (2654) and GM Dmitry Andreikin in the Grünfeld Defence: a highly theoretical path that, with accurate play, leads almost inevitably to a draw. In this variation, Dubov sacrifices a pawn, but with precise moves there is virtually no danger of losing (or winning). A 99% accuracy rate tells the story well enough. I caught up with Shankland as he was leaving the venue. After congratulating him on his performance so far, he referenced that very game against Andreikin: “It’s a dead draw. I think he wants to play the tiebreak.” The second game to finish, also showing an impressive 98% accuracy, was the encounter between GMs Aleksey Grebnev (2611) and Andrey Esipenko (2693). In a fully symmetrical Queen’s Gambit Accepted, neither player was willing to take even the slightest risk, both likely believing they hold the upper hand in the tiebreaks. With two open files on the board, they exchanged rooks on one of them and then repeated moves, reaching the thirty-move mark with most of the pieces still in play. This match has been the most evenly balanced of all eight pairings, and predicting a favourite in the rapid segment feels nearly impossible. It would not be surprising if this one ends up going all the way to blitz before a winner emerges. Over an hour passed before the next result came in. With White, GM Pentala Harikrishna (2697) attempted to press GM José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara (2644) in an offbeat line of the King’s Indian Attack. The former Indian Olympiad team member managed to create a mild pull in the early middlegame, but Martínez Alcántara’s defensive technique was flawless this afternoon. After a series of mass simplifications, the players agreed to a draw on move thirty-five in a level endgame. This tiebreak is also extremely hard to call. Martínez Alcántara is a blitz specialist — his online results rival those of Carlsen and Nakamura — and he currently holds a slightly higher FIDE rapid rating. But Harikrishna’s vast experience and steadiness under pressure mean he will be anything but an easy opponent. Within the space of just ten minutes, the first two decisive results of the day arrived back-to-back and, with them, the elimination of the two Armenian legends still remaining in the event: Levon Aronian (now representing the USA) and Gabriel Sargissian. The clash between heavyweights GMs Levon Aronian (2722) and Arjun Erigaisi (2773) delivered all the excitement one could hope for. The opening and middlegame remained largely balanced, but as the players approached time trouble, the tension rose and the mistakes began to appear. Aronian has just played 33.Qf2–f1, a move that looks perfectly normal at first glance, but a hidden tactical shot was lurking. Erigaisi, likely focused on other strategic ideas, missed the powerful 33…Bxh2!, winning a pawn. The point is revealed after 34.Kxh2 Rxe3! 35.Rxe3 Qf4+, picking up the rook with a winning position. Instead, 33…Re6? was played. Even so, giving a player of Erigaisi’s caliber a second chance is rarely survivable. A few moves later, under increasing pressure, Aronian finally faltered. Here, Aronian needed to play 38.Rf1 to keep the game going. Instead, his fatal 38.Re1?? allowed the crushing response 38…Nh3!, and with it, his elimination. White’s queen is completely overloaded, unable to defend both the rook and the bishop (which is itself guarding against mate on h2). After 39.gxh3 Rxe1 followed by …Qxf3#, or the spectacular 39.Qf1 Nxg1 40.Rxe6 Qh2#, there is no escape. “It was a tough match; at some point, I started regretting some of my moves, and I wasn’t sure about my position. When he offered me a draw, my confidence increased,” Erigaisi explained afterward in his interview with Charlize van Zyl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCkrOP4IAic&t=2s The second Armenian player to
FWCCC 2025: Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, Greco, and Google through to semi-finals
Day 2 of the FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship 2025 concluded the group stage of the event, with Morgan Stanley and Deloitte 1 qualifying from Pool A and Greco and Google qualifying from Pool B. Tomorrow they will face off in the semifinals, followed by the final to decide the 2025 World Corporate Champions. The second half of the group stage saw the continuation of the double round-robin format, where the teams played each other again, this time with reversed colours. The day started off with a special moment for all participants as Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa R visited the venue as Guest of Honor. He made the ceremonial first move on the top board, met the teams and posed for photos – a rare opportunity for corporate players to meet one of the world’s leading super grandmasters. Pool A The second half of the double round-robin confirmed Morgan Stanley as the clear frontrunners of Pool A. They finished with 18 match points and 31 game points, losing only one match, the final round of the day, against Microsoft. Deloitte 1 secured the second qualifying spot with 15 matchpoints, though the final standings tightened after a key result in the return leg against Microsoft. Yesterday the match was tightly drawn, but today Microsoft struck with a 2½–1½ victory, temporarily putting pressure on the qualification race. Deloitte responded strongly in their remaining encounters, holding their position ahead of Microsoft, who finished third with 13 matchpoints. Final Standings Pool A Morgan Stanley — 18 MP / 31 GP Deloitte 1 — 15 MP / 27.5 GP Microsoft — 13 MP / 23.5 GP UBS — 10 MP / 22 GP Tech Mahindra — 4 MP / 12 GP Equity Bank, Kenya — 0 MP / 4 GP Pool B Pool B completed its return legs as well, with Greco maintaining full control of the field. They finished the group stage unbeaten with 20 matchpoints and 28 gamepoints, confirming their status as one of the most dominant teams of the championship. The battle for second place between Google and J.P. Morgan unfolded across both days. Yesterday Google had won their first meeting by a wide 4–0 margin, but today J.P Morgan struck back with a close 2.5-1.5 victory. This result opened the door for J.P. Morgan to chase on tiebreaks, but Google’s superior gamepoint total ultimately secured their qualification. Deloitte 2 also delivered an impressive turnaround on the final day. They defeated J.P. Morgan 2½–1½, reversing the outcome of their first encounter and coming within striking distance of second place. Final Standings – Pool B GRECO — 20 MP / 28 GP Google — 12 MP / 15.5 GP J.P. Morgan — 12 MP / 14.5 GP Deloitte 2 — 10 MP / 15 GP ERG — 6 MP / 7 GP Player spotlight: Saraswat Tushar (Tech Mahindra) One of the standout individual performances of the day came from Saraswat Tushar of Tech Mahindra. Rated just 1702, he produced multiple upsets against much higher-rated opponents, including an astonishing win over FM David Moskovic (2314) from Morgan Stanley. A key moment arose in his game against Georgios Tsichlis (2123, Microsoft). After White played 35.g3??, Tushar found the precise refutation: 35…Rxh2! Following 36.Kxh2 Qxf2+, Black launched a decisive attack and soon forced resignation. Last night’s social programme brought all teams together for a relaxed networking evening inside the playing hall. The session began with a masterclass by GM Alojzije Janković, followed by an informal gathering where teams played bughouse, exchanged stories, and learned more about each other’s internal chess cultures. The Google team, for example, shared that more than 2,500 employees actively participate in chess inside the company, supported by bi-weekly events hosted on Lichess. ChessBase India also made a guest appearance, engaging with teams and capturing moments from the evening. As the group stage concludes, players now shift their attention to the decisive final day. Many continued their afternoon by watching Round 5, Game 2 of the FIDE World Cup, taking advantage of the unique setting where two major FIDE events run side by side in Goa. Tomorrow promises a dramatic finish, with semifinal matchups set to determine which two companies will compete for the championship trophy. Written by Charlize van Zyl, FIDE Press Officer (Goa, India) Photos: Eteri Kublashvili
World Cup Round 5 Game 1: Sindarov strikes as giants battle to a standstill in Goa
The atmosphere at the Rio Resort in Goa was electric this afternoon as players returned to the boards for another round of top-level action. The spotlight quickly shifted to Board 2, where Levon Aronian and Arjun Erigaisi delivered one of the most engaging and dynamic games of the day, drawing considerable attention from spectators and commentators alike. The ceremonial first moves were executed by two distinguished guests from the European chess community: Gunnar Björnsson, CEO of the Icelandic Chess Federation and Vice President of the European Chess Union, and Alojzije Janković, also a Vice President of the European Chess Union. Their presence underscored the strong international support and camaraderie surrounding the event. As the pieces were set in motion, anticipation built around whether the sharp tactical exchange between Aronian and Erigaisi would set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. It certainly did – capturing the spirit of competition that has defined this year’s battles in Goa. After around ninety minutes of play, the first result of the afternoon arrived. The Peruvian-Mexican phenomenon, GM José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara (2644), continued his remarkable run by securing a solid draw against India’s GM Pentala Harikrishna (2697). Martínez Alcántara has been producing the tournament of his life. In the previous two rounds, both times with the black pieces, he claimed impressive victories over GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Alexey Sarana, winning the opening game of each match. Today, armed with the white pieces, he entered a deeply theoretical line of the Two Knights Defence, in which White typically gains a pawn at the cost of structural weaknesses and falling behind in development. Play followed established theory up to move twenty-five, with at least sixteen moves matching top-level over-the-board or correspondence encounters found in current databases. All known predecessors have ended in draws, including one by GM Javokhir Sindarov, also competing in this Round of 16. Given the speed and confidence with which both players executed their moves, it was evident they were well-prepared and content with a balanced outcome. Harikrishna will enjoy the white pieces in tomorrow’s game, while Martínez Alcántara has already demonstrated lethal form with black, having defeated both his previous opponents from that side of the board. With both players registering 99% accuracy, a peaceful result was practically inevitable, and fully justified. About an hour later, a short burst of activity swept through the playing hall as three games concluded within ten minutes, all ending in solid, uneventful draws. One of these results came from GM Andrey Esipenko (2693), who, after yesterday’s exhausting tiebreak elimination of tournament favourite Vincent Keymer, opted for a calm and risk-free approach against Aleksey Grebnev (2611). Grebnev himself had just survived a taxing tiebreak against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, making a peaceful outcome mutually understandable. Drawing inspiration from a 2019 encounter in which Esipenko faced GM Rakhmanov (2638), Grebnev arrived fully equipped with home preparation in one of the most solid and respected continuations of the Petrov Defence. Esipenko attempted to sidestep prior theory with a small refinement – 12.Nb5 instead of the more common 12.Bf4 – but Grebnev remained completely unfazed. He rattled off his first twenty moves with confidence, showing no sign of discomfort. With a fully symmetrical pawn structure on the board and no practical prospects for either side to create winning chances, the players agreed to a draw on move thirty-one. Accuracy scores hovering around 95% reflected the clean and disciplined play delivered by both competitors. What awaits tomorrow remains to be seen, but based on today’s balance of power, this match appears a strong candidate to head for tiebreaks, a scenario in which both Esipenko and Grebnev may feel they have realistic chances to outplay the other. In a symmetrical variation of the English Opening, GM Alexander Donchenko (2641) and GM Lê Quang Liêm (2729) contested a strategically rich, though ultimately balanced, encounter. While the final accuracy scores, an impressive 98% for both players, might suggest a quiet affair, the game was anything but effortless. Both grandmasters invested significant time at key moments, carefully navigating the subtle nuances of the position. One of the most intriguing moments arose just out of the opening. Holding an extra pawn, Donchenko had the tempting option of 18.axb6 axb6 19.Rfc1, but this line allowed Black dynamic possibilities such as 19…Nc4, granting Lê Quang Liêm sufficient counterplay to maintain equilibrium. Recognizing the latent danger, and after deliberating for just over ten minutes, Donchenko chose the prudent path with 18.Qc2, returning the pawn and steering the game toward safety. From that moment, the position began to simplify naturally. Forced sequences followed, exchanges swept pieces off the board, and the game peacefully concluded with a draw on move thirty-one. A clean and professional display from both sides, the game exemplified the high level of precision that has come to define this stage of the tournament. Before the round began, I found myself—as I often do—chatting with fellow specialists while surveying the match-ups from a distance. Theo from Lichess and Shahid from ChessBase India are two of my usual companions in these pre-game exchanges. As we compared notes, Shahid and I agreed that the encounter between GM Gabriel Sargissian (2624) and GM Nodirbek Yakubboev (2689) was as close to a 50/50 toss-up as one could get. Although Yakubboev holds the higher rating on paper, Sargissian’s reputation as a rock-solid competitor, especially with the White pieces, made the prediction far from straightforward. Today’s clash, a pristine 99% accuracy effort by both players, once again highlighted the immense depth and technical discipline of these two grandmasters: no mistakes, no inaccuracies, simply a flawless game. Sargissian repeated his trusted Catalan, but was unable to carve out any meaningful edge from the opening. He ventured into a line that momentarily sacrifices a pawn in pursuit of active piece play, yet Yakubboev calmly returned the material, opting instead to secure a superior pawn structure. Subsequent simplifications flowed naturally, and with the position fully equalized, and both players still holding more than twenty-five minutes on
Winners crowned at FIDE World Amateur Championship 2025
The FIDE World Amateur Chess Championship 2025 concluded yesterday in Vrnjačka Banja, the Serbian capital of tourism. The event attracted 284 players from 51 national federations, culminating in the crowning of winners across all six sections. The best female chess players in the U1700 event are Mouza Nasser Alshamsi, (UAE) scoring 7/9 followed by Ayala Kuanyshbay (Kazakhstan) and Disha U A from India. The open section U1700 saw the triumph of Medet Dyahaparov (Kyrgyzstan) who claimed gold with an excellent score of 8/9. Pathak Anshu Kr (India) and Dulguunjargal Dashdavaa (Mongolia) tied for second place on 7.5/9, with the former clinching silver on tiebreaks. The top female finishers in the U2000 tournament are Khuslenzaya Baldanjantsan from Mongolia (8/9), Wang Minging of Germany (7/9), and Karina Daniela Ferreira Kanzler from Brazil (5.5/9). In the open section U2000, the first place was won by Dejan Jakovljević from Serbia with 8/9. Vo Hoang Quan from Vietnam (7.5/9) took silver, while Arlan Abuzyarov from Kazakhstan completed the podium with 7/9. Tsogtsaikhan Saikhanchimeg from Mongolia (5.5 points), Anna Ivaschenko (4.5 points) and Nadezhda Antonova from Tajikistan (4 points) became the best female chess players in the U2300 competition. The most tightly contested tournament was the U2300 Open section, which ended in a three-way tie for first. Ivan Kudrin (FIDE), Sergei Krivenko, and Sergei Pogorelskikh (both Serbia) all scored 7/9, with Kudrin claiming gold, Krivenko silver, and Pogorelskikh bronze based on tiebreak scores. The closing ceremony featured a performance by a local chorus and the presentation of trophies and diplomas. It was attended by Saša Jevtić, Tournament Director; Ozgur Solakoglu, a representative of the International Chess Federation (FIDE); Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia; and Boban Đurović, President of the Vrnjačka Banja municipality, who officially declared the competition closed. In his address, Solakoglu thanked the organizers for the exceptional level of organization and announced that Vrnjačka Banja will host two more FIDE championships in 2026. “Over these nine days, we witnessed extraordinary glory in honor of chess. From the first move to the last round, players from around the world showed not only skill and determination, but also the true spirit of amateur competition — where passion and respect for the game shines above all else. Congratulations to our winners. Thank you to every participant. You have made this championship lively, competitive and memorable. Whether you won or learned something new, you contributed something truly special. To our hosts — the Chess Federation of Serbia, the city and people of Vrnjačka Banja, arbiters, volunteers and staff — you created an atmosphere in which chess could flourish and friendships could be established,” said Solakoglu. Andrija Jorgić, President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, expressed his pride in hosting the event. “Do not forget that chess is a knight’s game,” he said, “and that the one sitting across from you is not an enemy, but an opponent at the chessboard.” Photos: Savo Tufegszic Official website: worldamateur2025.fide.com
2025 FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship opens in Goa
The second edition of the FIDE World Corporate Chess Championship began today in Goa, alongside the FIDE World Cup, bringing together leading international companies to compete for a World Championship title. The event highlights how chess is becoming part of modern workplaces and offers employee teams a global stage to represent their organisations. This year’s finals feature 11 teams, selected from hundreds of companies through online qualifiers and joined by a few invited wild cards. The field spans technology, finance, consulting, engineering, and fast-growing firms from emerging markets. The FWCCC has a clear identity: only true corporate teams take part. Every player is a full-time employee, manager, or board member, and organisations directly connected to chess are not eligible. At the opening ceremony, FIDE Secretary General Lukasz Turlej welcomed participants, saying: “On behalf of the International Chess Federation, I am happy to welcome everyone to Goa. This championship connects the corporate world with the universal language of chess in a special way. We appreciate the All India Chess Federation, the Goa Chess Federation, the Government of Goa, and the Prime Minister of India for enabling us to hold this event here. The corporate chess community is growing quickly, and I am confident we will keep developing these initiatives together in the future. I wish all the teams great games in this unique place, the home of the World Cup and many of the world’s top players this month.” FormatThe 11 teams play a two-day group stage followed by knockout playoffs on Sunday. All matches use a rapid time control of 10 minutes plus a 3-second increment across four boards. The group stage is a round-robin, with match points deciding the standings and game points as the secondary tiebreak. After Saturday’s group stage, the top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. POOL A — Morgan Stanley sets the pacePool A completed the first half of its double round-robin today. Standings after Day 1: Morgan Stanley — 10 MP / 17 GP Deloitte 1 — 7 MP / 13.5 GP Microsoft — 7 MP / 12 GP UBS — 4 MP / 10 GP Tech Mahindra — 2 MP / 7 GP Equity Bank Kenya — 0 MP / 0.5 GP Morgan Stanley swept all five matches, scoring 4–0 against Tech Mahindra and Equity Bank Kenya and earning decisive wins over Microsoft, Deloitte 1, and UBS. GM Peter Acs, GM Joshua Sheng, IM Peter Lizak, and FM Gabor Szamoskozi collected 17 gamepoints, the highest of the day. Deloitte 1 and Microsoft remain close in the race for second, drawing their head-to-head match. UBS secured an important victory over Tech Mahindra, while the wild-card teams from India and Kenya fought hard throughout the round. POOL B — GRECO perfect, Google and J.P. Morgan close behindWith five teams, Pool B played four rounds today. Standings after Day 1: GRECO — 10 MP / 15 GP Google — 8 MP / 10.5 GP J. P. Morgan — 6 MP / 6.5 GP Deloitte 2 — 4 MP / 6 GP ERG — 2 MP / 2 GP GRECO delivered a flawless day, winning all four matches and conceding only half a gamepoint across the entire pool. GM Volodymyr Onyshchuk led the team on board one, supported by three International Masters who ensured stability on every board. Google secured second place with a 4–0 win over J.P. Morgan in the last round. J.P. Morgan, featuring FM Agustin Ambrogi and FM Ramon Lorente Pupo, finished third after solid results against Deloitte 2 and ERG. Although none of the players are professionals, the level of play was high, with experienced club players and titled competitors representing some of the world’s most recognisable companies. The games were sharp, the atmosphere focused, and the engagement evident. The group stage concludes on Saturday morning with the second half of the double round-robin. With Morgan Stanley and GRECO leading their pools and several challengers still within reach, the race for the title of The Smartest Company in the World remains wide open. Written by Charlize van Zyl, FIDE Press Officer (Goa, India) Photos: Michal Walusza
2025 World Women’s Team Championship: Pools announced
2025 FIDE World Women’s Team Championship pools announced ahead of opening in Linares, Spain With just three days remaining until the official opening ceremony of the 2025 FIDE World Women’s Team Championship, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has confirmed the composition of the two competitive pools. The championship will be held in Linares, Spain, from November 17 to 24, 2025, in one of the most iconic cities in world chess. Already on site in Linares, Javier Ochoa de Echaguen, President of the Spanish Chess Federation, welcomed the first arriving delegations: “The Spanish Chess Federation is delighted to welcome all delegations attending the Women’s World Team Championship in the historic city of Linares.” Pool A: A clash of heavyweights Team FIDE, led by GM Aleksandra Goryachkina, tops Pool A with an impressive 2496 average rating. Close behind is Team USA, averaging 2406, spearheaded by rising star IM Carissa Yip. Photo: Michal Walusza Team Kazakhstan enters with a 2381 average rating and GM Bibisara Assaubayeva on board one. Following the late withdrawal of Team Algeria due to visa issues, Team Azerbaijan has been nominated as the replacement. With an average rating of 2366, Azerbaijan—led by IM Ulviyya Fataliyeva—significantly elevates the competitive depth of Pool A. Host nation Spain fields a 2339 average rating team, featuring IM Sarasadat Khademalsharieh on top board. Team Peru rounds out the pool with a 2207 average rating, led by IM Deysi Cori T., supported by several of the country’s most promising young talents. Pool B: Hou Yifan returns Pool B is headlined by the return of GM Hou Yifan, four-time Women’s World Champion, who leads Team China to the event with a strong 2473 average rating. Widely recognized as the second-highest-rated female player in history, Hou’s participation adds exceptional prestige to the championship. Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz Team Georgia (2430), led by GM Nino Batsiashvili, brings a seasoned and balanced roster, while Team Ukraine enters with a 2399 average rating under the leadership of IM Yuliia Osmak. Three evenly matched teams—France, Uzbekistan, and India—each average around 2350. Packed with International Masters and Women Grandmasters, they bring a blend of experience and rising youth. Both Uzbekistan and India are fielding notably young squads, expected to capitalize on the opportunity to gain high-level international exposure. A Championship steeped in tradition Looking ahead to a week of intense competition, Ochoa de Echaguen added:“It is an honour for us to host this prestigious event in a venue that holds such a special place in the history of world chess. We trust that the players, coaches, and accompanying teams will enjoy an excellent stay, dedicated organization, and a competitive atmosphere that reflects the values of respect, excellence, and sportsmanship that define our sport.” Full list of teams with average rating Pool A: FIDE (2496) USA (2406) Kazakhstan (2381) Azerbaijan (2366) Spain (2339) Peru (2207) Pool B: China (2473) Georgia (2430) Ukraine (2399) France (2353) Uzbekistan (2336) India (2334) The full rosters of each team can be consulted [HERE]. For more information about the 2025 FIDE World Women’s Team Championship, media accreditation, or event logistics, please contact FIDE or the Spanish Chess Federation.
Shockwaves in Goa: Dubov, Shankland, and the day of “giant killers”
The fourth round of the FIDE World Cup in Goa ended with one of the most intense and dramatic tiebreak sessions of the event so far. Eleven matches returned to the playing hall this afternoon, with players battling it out across multiple time controls, from rapid to blitz and even Armageddon, to determine who would advance to the coveted round of sixteen. From the very start, it was clear that this would be a day of upsets and surprises. Several top seeds were eliminated, including multiple +2700-rated players, as underdogs seized their chances in rapid and blitz play. Experience, stamina, and nerves of steel became as crucial as opening preparation, as every mistake carried immediate consequences. By the end of the session, the field had been cut in half once again, revealing a captivating mix of established stars and fearless young talents. With just sixteen players remaining, the World Cup is entering its decisive phase, and the fight for the title, and for the coveted Candidates spots, is more open than ever. The round was opened by IA Dharmendra Kumar, President of the South Asian Chess Council and Chair of the 2025 FIDE World Cup Appeals Committee. He played 1.e4 for Peter Leko on board two. Quite surprisingly, no fewer than eight of the eleven tiebreak matches were decided in the very first section of the afternoon, consisting of two 15-minute games with a 10-second increment. The first player to qualify for the round of sixteen and the biggest surprise of the day was GM Aleksey Grebnev (2611), who eliminated one of the pre-tournament favourites, GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (2737). Known for his deep opening preparation and sharp tactical vision, Grebnev recently won the 2025 Dubai Open, a strong international event featuring several elite grandmasters, proving he is no stranger to facing world-class opposition. Although Vachier-Lagrave is a renowned specialist in blitz and rapid chess, Grebnev seized his chances brilliantly, winning the first game with White and then steering the second into a well-known theoretical draw to clinch the match. The key moment came in the first game: Despite being under pressure in a difficult endgame, the Frenchman still had drawing chances, but in time trouble he blundered with 47…Nd5+? (the correct move was 47…b5, with approximate equality). After 48.Kd4! b5 49.Bh6!, Black was suddenly lost due to the unstoppable threat of Bf8, which wins material. Soon after, another of the 2700+ favourites fell. GM Richard Rapport (2724) will have to wait another two years for another shot at the title, after losing both rapid tiebreak games to GM Sam Shankland (2654). A cornerstone of American chess for over a decade, known for his disciplined preparation and exceptional endgame technique, Shankland opted for the solid Caro–Kann Defence to neutralize Rapport’s creative initiative in the first game. The strategy paid off perfectly when the Hungarian number one faltered in the late middlegame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbp_Yg4vY0Y “I wasn’t very optimistic going into the tiebreak. In classical, it hasn’t gone too badly, but in rapid, he’s clobbered me before,” Shankland admitted in his post-game interview. This time, however, he turned the tables convincingly. In the second game, Rapport’s decision to employ the Pirc Modern Defence backfired spectacularly, as he soon found himself in a cramped, passive position, and Shankland efficiently converted the advantage, sealing the match with a 25-move miniature. GM Nils Grandelius (2645) will also be leaving Goa tomorrow, eliminated by GM Pentala Harikrishna (2697). The long-time Swedish number one, celebrated for his deep opening preparation and creative ideas, came up short in the first game, letting his opponent off the hook at a critical moment. With the psychological edge on his side, the player from Andhra Pradesh, renowned for his strategic depth and superb endgame technique, displayed his full class in the second encounter. Harikrishna crafted a strategic masterpiece, patiently outmanoeuvring his opponent to secure victory and advance to Round Five. By winning the first game and comfortably drawing the second, accepting a repetition in a completely winning position, GM Frederik Svane (2638) secured his spot in the round of sixteen, joining his compatriot Alexander Donchenko and confirming the impressive depth of the younger German generation. His opponent, GM Shant Sargsyan (2667) of Armenia, was unable to recover after losing the first game. The key moment came on move thirty White’s control of the d-file and pressure on the e5-pawn promised a lasting edge. However, after 30…Ne6! 31.Nxe5 Qg5! 32.Qxg5 Nxg5, Black would still have had reasonable drawing chances. Instead, short on time, Sargsyan spent two of his last three minutes to play 30…f6?, fatally weakening his kingside. Svane immediately seized the moment with 31.Nh4!, launching a decisive attack. Notably, Black could no longer contest the d-file with 31…Rad8, as 32.Nf5! wins material after 32…Qc7 33.Rxd8 Rxd8 34.Rxd8 Rxd8 35.Qa7, picking up at least a pawn. Despite determined resistance, the Armenian grandmaster could not save the game. GM Daniil Dubov (2684) produced one of the major upsets of the day, eliminating the 2023 Baku finalist and Indian hero GM Praggnanandhaa R (2771). Continuing the same pragmatic approach that has served him well in earlier tiebreaks, Dubov offered an early 12-move draw with the White pieces, effectively shifting the pressure onto his opponent to create winning chances in the second game. In his post-game interview with FIDE’s WIM Charlize van Zyl, Dubov explained his rationale: “Against players so good that I can’t really get an advantage in the opening, my strategy is to make a draw with White and get a game with Black.” And once again, his plan worked perfectly. In the diagrammed position, with both players down to their final minute, Praggnanandhaa erred with 35.Bxd5?, allowing 35…exf2+ 36.Qxf2 Bb6!, after which the Indian grandmaster was unable to defend against the threats along the long diagonal. “I don’t think he showed his best in this tournament, but even so, it was very close,” Dubov reflected after the game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0r3Tyz2TWk With each round that passes, GM Arjun Erigaisi (2773) looks increasingly likely to secure
Tides turning in Goa: Aronian and Martínez advance to Round of 16 as field tightens
The tension in Goa was palpable as the Round of 32 of the FIDE World Cup resumed, with sixteen matches poised on a knife’s edge. The ceremonial first move, performed by Dr. Sagar Dilip Salgaocar, Managing Director of Geno Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd, set the stage for what would become a day filled with fierce strategic battles, high precision, and immense psychological pressure. Each player knew that a single mistake could mean the end of their World Cup journey. As the clocks started ticking, the players quickly settled into the rhythm of combat. The atmosphere inside the playing hall was a mix of quiet concentration and restrained intensity, the hum of moves being recorded, the soft clatter of captured pieces, and the quiet footsteps of arbiters echoing through the hall. Over the next six hours, fans witnessed a fascinating blend of caution and courage. While some grandmasters opted for pragmatic draws to secure qualification, others risked it all in pursuit of victory. From José Martínez Alcántara’s confident progression to the next stage to Levon Aronian’s creative handling of complications and Le Quang Liem’s composed elimination of Karthik Venkataraman, the day offered no shortage of drama. Yet, as so often happens at this stage of the event, many matches remained deadlocked, setting up a thrilling tiebreak showdown to decide who advances to the coveted final sixteen. Let’s take a deeper look into this afternoon’s action at the Rio Resort on Goa. Roughly an hour and a half into play, GM José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara (2644) became the first player to qualify for the final sixteen after forcing a draw against GM Alexey Sarana (2661). Having secured victory with Black in the previous game, the Mexican grandmaster only needed a draw with White to advance. Following his successful choice from the previous round, Martínez opted for the 2.c3 Alapin Variation against the Sicilian. Sarana appeared unfamiliar with the subtleties of the line and soon slipped in his move order. Sensing the opportunity, Martínez seized the initiative with the striking piece sacrifice 13.Nxa7! Nxa7 14.Ne5!, creating a double attack on the queen and the f7-pawn. This well-known opening trap has appeared at least five times before in master play, with five wins for White. However, after 14…Qb5 15.Bxf7+ Kd8, Martínez wisely chose the practical route, repeating moves with 16.Bb3 Ke8 17.Bf7+. Sarana had no real alternative but to accept the draw, as declining it would have meant losing significant material — and with it, his spot in the event. After confirming his qualification, Martínez joined the broadcast studio to share his thoughts on the game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nW_znq0MSo Immediately afterwards, the first draw of the afternoon was confirmed – coincidentally, between the same players who had battled for over 110 moves in one of yesterday’s final games to finish. Playing with White, GM Gabriel Sargissian (2624) agreed to a draw with GM Awonder Liang (2710), meaning their match will be decided tomorrow afternoon in the tiebreaks. In a classical Catalan Opening, Sargissian achieved a slight edge out of the opening, but Liang gradually neutralized the position, and a threefold repetition was reached around move thirty. GMs Lorenzo Lodici (2560) and Samuel Sevian (2698) continued their consistent form in Goa with a 32-move draw by repetition in a standard Italian Opening. Playing flawlessly, both grandmasters achieved a 99% accuracy score in a topical line previously tested by Lodici’s teammate, GM Daniele Vocaturo. Following yesterday’s topsy-turvy encounter, GM Daniil Dubov (2684) chose a deeply theoretical line in the Vienna Variation of the Ragozin Defence against GM Praggnanandhaa R (2771), perhaps aiming to surprise his young opponent. However, Praggnanandhaa was fully prepared, defending with 99% accuracy and steering the game into an equal rook-and-pawn ending. A draw was agreed on move thirty, another addition to the long list of balanced results in this heavily analysed correspondence line. Dubov, World Rapid Champion in 2018, when he triumphed ahead of Carlsen, Mamedyarov, and Nakamura, often shines when the clock runs low, making their upcoming tiebreak one of the most anticipated of the day. The sequence of draws didn’t end there: with elimination on the line, few players were willing to take undue risks. Within the next forty-five minutes, five additional games were drawn, adding ten more names to tomorrow’s increasingly crowded tiebreak roster. It was a solid draw with a 98% accuracy score between GM Aleksey Grebnev (2611) and GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (2737). Playing the 3.Bb5 Moscow Variation against the Frenchman’s Sicilian Defence, Grebnev steered the game into a French-type pawn structure after a few early exchanges. In his post-game interview with WIM Charlize van Zyl, Vachier-Lagrave admitted that he wasn’t particularly familiar with his opponent: “I didn’t know much about Grebnev until about a month ago, when he played a qualifying match for the World Cup against my team colleague GM Marc’Andria Maurizzi. He’s very solid and very confident.” Grebnev managed to secure a small edge, exerting some control over the e5-square, but never enough to truly trouble the French number one. The game soon fizzled out into a draw by repetition around move thirty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMZkBkrQJAA The game between GM Richard Rapport (2724) and GM Sam Shankland (2654) also ended peacefully, this time with an impressive 99% accuracy score from both players. The two followed a 2018 Neo-Grünfeld encounter between top grandmasters Sjugirov and Li Chao until move thirteen. Shankland played quickly and confidently, suggesting deep home preparation, while Rapport appeared to be navigating largely on his own. The engines offered no significant improvements for either side – a truly flawless game. It’s hard to call a favourite in tomorrow’s tiebreak: both players have already proven themselves under pressure, with Shankland eliminating Vidit, and Rapport prevailing against Erdogmus earlier in the event. GM Shant Sargsyan (2667) and GM Frederik Svane (2638) produced yet another draw of exceptional quality, both recording a 99% accuracy score. In the second Catalan Opening of the day, Sargsyan opted for a line that netted him a clean pawn, but in return allowed Svane to
World Cup Round 4 Game 1: Aronian strikes, Martínez Alcantara shines on a day of fine margins and missed chances
It was a day marked by precision, patience, and deep preparation in Goa, as the players returned to the board following the rest day. Out of sixteen classical encounters, only two produced decisive results, yet every game offered a glimpse into the razor-sharp margins that define modern elite chess. From surprise novelties in the opening phase to defensive masterpieces under time pressure, the round underscored how difficult it has become to win at this level, even with the slightest of edges. The spotlight victories belonged to GMs Levon Aronian and José Eduardo Martínez Alcántara. Aronian’s creative use of the rare 3.a3!? in the Vienna Game caught Radosław Wojtaszek completely off guard, while Martínez delivered another powerful performance in Goa, outplaying Alexey Sarana in dynamic fashion. Elsewhere, draws were the order of the day, though many of them – such as Dubov–Praggnanandhaa and Svane–Sargsyan – were full of energy, resourcefulness, and unrelenting accuracy. Despite just two decisive outcomes, the round was anything but dull. Several players, including Lorenzo Lodici, Vincent Keymer, and Nodirbek Yakubboev, showed impressive defensive resilience, while others like Awonder Liang and Daniil Dubov will be reflecting on missed chances. With the first classical games now complete, tension is rising: one more classical battle remains before potential tiebreaks decide who advances to Round 5. If today’s play was a display of calculation and control, tomorrow promises fireworks. Let’s take a deeper look into this afternoon’s action at the Rio Resort on Goa. Photo credit: @mgd1_esports and @totographyclicks Several officials visited the round this afternoon, including Mr. Michael Lobo, Chairman of Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and Member of the Legislative Assembly. The first game to finish didn’t take long. Just over an hour into the round, GM Peter Leko (2660) and GM Arjun Erigaisi (2769) agreed to a draw, but not before a brief theoretical skirmish in a sharp Sicilian line. Seeking to surprise the Hungarian veteran, Erigaisi unleashed the Cobra Variation in the Sicilian Taimanov – a rare and venomous choice he had played only once before, back in 2012, at the Raisoni Memorial U-15 when he was rated just 1548. Visibly taken aback, Leko spent over fifteen minutes choosing his response before deciding on the principled 6.Ndb5. Yet it soon became apparent that he was out of his preparation in this sharp line. Erigaisi pressed forward energetically, even sacrificing a pawn to seize the initiative on the queenside in a position with opposite-side castling. However, with his time ticking dangerously low, Leko wisely opted for an unforced threefold repetition, ensuring a half-point and avoiding unnecessary risk. A comfortable outcome for the Indian grandmaster, who will now have the rest of the afternoon to prepare for what could be a decisive encounter tomorrow, when he will have the White pieces. An hour passed before the next game concluded, roughly marking the halfway point of the playing session. Defending with the Black pieces, GM Aleksey Grebnev (2611) opted for the ever-solid Petroff Defence against GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (2737). Both players rattled off the first sixteen moves in textbook fashion, following a line deeply explored in modern correspondence chess, a domain heavily guided by computer analysis, and therefore a reliable touchstone for elite preparation. Unsurprisingly, all known correspondence encounters in this variation have previously ended in draws. The Frenchman was the first to deviate from established theory, introducing a fresh idea with 17.Rab1. Grebnev, fresh off his 25th Dubai Open victory earlier this year – took his time, spending nearly twenty minutes to navigate the complications and coolly neutralize White’s modest initiative. The balance never tilted decisively either way, and soon after, the players agreed to a threefold repetition. A pragmatic outcome for both sides, and one that quietly hints this tightly contested match could well be headed for a tiebreak showdown. Three more draws were signed before the first decisive game of the afternoon finally arrived. Among them, GM Wei Yi (2754) was unable to make any headway against GM Parham Maghsoodloo (2697). The 2018 World Junior Champion and Iranian National Champion in 2017, 2018, and 2021, Maghsoodloo has long been a fixture near the 2700 mark and enjoys a strong reputation for his balanced mix of positional solidity and dynamic resourcefulness. Facing the ever-dangerous Wei Yi, Maghsoodloo chose the Caro–Kann Defence, meeting the Exchange Variation with an early queen trade, a practical decision against an opponent known for his sharp attacking style. Though this left him with an isolated queen’s pawn, the Iranian defended confidently and never appeared in serious trouble. A calm and professional performance from Maghsoodloo, who comfortably secured the draw and perhaps another sign that this match, too, may be destined for tiebreaks. GM Nils Grandelius (2645) and GM Pentala Harikrishna (2697) produced an impeccably balanced encounter, both registering an impressive 98% accuracy according to computer evaluation. The game followed a well-trodden strategic line of the Ruy Lopez, leading to a symmetrical middlegame and eventually to a completely equal rook endgame after thirty-two precise moves. Neither side faltered, and the draw was a fair result of flawless technical play. For Harikrishna, it’s another steady performance, particularly valuable considering his excellent form with the White pieces in previous rounds. With the colours reversing tomorrow, spectators can likely expect a sharper, more dynamic battle. If the previous game clocked in at 98%, this one raised the bar even higher. GM Le Quang Liem (2729) and GM Karthik Venkataraman (2579) delivered a near-flawless performance, each achieving an astonishing 99% accuracy score. Playing with the Black pieces, India’s national champion was well prepared and solid throughout. He equalized comfortably and had little difficulty steering the game toward a peaceful conclusion, securing a well-earned half point against one of Asia’s strongest grandmasters. What came as a mild surprise, however, was Le Quang Liem’s choice of the London System — a line he famously covered in detail in his own Chessable “Lifetime Repertoire” course. It’s not every day that a top-level player tests their own published repertoire over the board!
FIDE files complaint with Ethics & Disciplinary Commission naming Vladimir Kramnik as respondent
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has formally submitted a complaint to the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission (EDC) naming former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik as the respondent. The referral follows concern in the chess community about repeated public allegations made by Kramnik against GM Daniel Naroditsky and GM David Navara, and comes after a review of the matter by the FIDE Management Board. The complaint outlines a pattern of conduct over roughly two years and cites several public statements and materials that FIDE considers relevant to potential violations related to harassment and the insulting of an individual’s dignity. The submission also includes testimony and information provided by David Navara and people close to Daniel Naroditsky. These matters will now be reviewed under the established procedures of the EDC. FIDE has taken this step to ensure that all relevant statements and evidence are examined by an independent disciplinary body and that the process is conducted fairly and with respect for all individuals involved. Comment from Yolander Persaud, Chairwoman of the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission: “Once a complaint is filed, the EDC Chair reviews it to determine if it is admissible. If accepted, the Chair identifies the charges and forwards the case to a First Instance Chamber, which will then notify both parties of the registration. The respondent is informed of the initiation of disciplinary proceedings and has up to three weeks to submit a response and any supporting documents. If additional information is required, a second exchange of statements may take place, with each party given up to two weeks to reply. After reviewing all materials, the panel will deliberate privately and issue its decision.” FIDE reiterates its commitment to a transparent, fair, and independent ethical review process. The EDC will evaluate the complaint in accordance with the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Code and its procedural rules. Any outcome, including possible sanctions, will be announced by the Commission in due course.