In one of the biggest upsets of the World Chess Cup 2025, Indian Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh defeated former world championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia in the second game of the second round on Wednesday.
The match, which was expected to be a tough battle, turned into a one-sided encounter as Ghosh outplayed Nepomniachtchi, who appeared erratic with his white pieces. The opening led to an unclear position early on, but Nepomniachtchi’s missed tactical oversight in the middlegame cost him a pawn — a mistake from which he could not recover.
Once Ghosh gained the upper hand, he displayed clinical technique, simplifying the position and converting the advantage into a rook-and-pawn endgame with precision.
“This is certainly the biggest victory of my chess career, beating Nepo in a match,”
said an elated Ghosh after the stunning win.
🇮🇳 Strong Performances by Indian Contingent
Earlier, Grandmaster P Harikrishna became the first Indian to advance to the third round, registering a dominant victory over Russian Arseniy Nesterov.
Meanwhile, World Junior Champion V Pranav, who had earlier taken the lead with black pieces, missed his chance to seal qualification and suffered a setback against Aryan Tari of Norway. The result means both players will head into tiebreak games to decide who advances further.
India’s highest-rated player, Arjun Erigaisi, continued his fine form with another victory — his second consecutive win — this time against Martin Petrov of Bulgaria. Arjun controlled the game from the opening as Petrov struggled to find counterplay, eventually blundering a pawn in the endgame to hand the Indian a smooth win. Arjun’s victory propelled him into the last 64 of the $2 million prize money tournament.
🌍 Gukesh Cruises; Praggnanandhaa Heads to Tiebreak
World Champion D Gukesh also advanced comfortably, defeating Nogerbek Kazybek of Kazakhstan with black pieces after a draw in the first game. Kazybek came under pressure early in the middlegame, and Gukesh’s methodical grind ensured a flawless finish — a signature of his style.
Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa will have to battle in tiebreaks after both of his classical games against Temur Kuybokarov of Australia ended in draws. Praggnanandhaa tried to push for a win using the Pirc Defense as black, but Kuybokarov defended accurately, and the game concluded after 46 moves in a queen and minor piece endgame.