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Chess World Cup: Pragg eliminated, Arjun and Harikrishna advance

Chess World Cup: Pragg eliminated, Arjun and Harikrishna advance

Praveen Kumar
November 14, 2025

Goa’s Resort Rio Convention Centre witnessed a high-octane finish to Round 4 of the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, as Indian hopes now rest on Arjun Erigaisi and Pentala Harikrishna following R. Praggnanandhaa’s elimination. Both Arjun and Harikrishna triumphed in tense tie-break encounters to secure spots in the pre-quarterfinals, their scores reflecting both composure and brilliance under pressure.

Arjun faced Hungary’s Peter Leko, with both classical games ending in draws. The Indian star rose to the occasion in tie-breaks, winning both 15-minute rapid games (2–0) to seal a 3–1 aggregate victory and book a Round 5 clash against Levon Aronian.

Harikrishna met Sweden’s Nils Grandelius in another close contest, with the classical games also drawn. Delivering when it mattered most, he scored 1.5 points in the rapid segment (1.5–0.5) to advance with an overall 2.5–1.5 win. He now faces José Martinez Alcantara in the next round.

Meanwhile, R. Praggnanandhaa bowed out after a fierce battle with Russia’s Daniil Dubov. Their classical games were even, but Dubov prevailed in the rapid playoff (1.5–0.5), ending the young Indian’s World Cup run. Pranav and Karthik too got eliminated along with Pragg with India’s hopes now resting on Arjun and Harikrishna.

Tournament favorites Vincent Keymer, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Richard Rapport were also eliminated in these tie-breaks, underlining the fiercely competitive nature of this World Cup. India’s original contingent of 16 players is now down to just two after four grueling rounds.

With pre-quarterfinals beginning today, all eyes are on Arjun’s clash with Aronian and Harikrishna’s duel with Alcantara. Only three spots from this World Cup guarantee entry to the Candidates Tournament 2026, making every move crucial as Indian fans rally behind their last two contenders. The festival atmosphere in Goa, enhanced by expert analysis and international attention, continues to make each round a celebration of world-class chess.