FIDE World Cup 2025: Narayanan, Diptayan and Aronyak lead India’s charge into second round

India’s strong showing at the FIDE World Cup 2025 continued on Monday, with Grandmasters Narayanan SL, Diptayan Ghosh, and Aronyak Ghosh advancing to the second round after impressive wins in their respective tiebreaks.

Narayanan, playing black in the opening rapid game, seized control early to outwit IM Steven Rojas of Peru in 52 moves before wrapping up the contest with a swift 22-move victory with white. Reflecting on his win, Narayanan said, “I thought I was a favourite in the tie-break. In shorter formats, I’m quite strong. Even ChatGPT confirmed that before the match!” He will next face GM Nikita Vitiugov of England.

On the adjacent board, Diptayan Ghosh displayed steely resolve to edge past China’s GM Peng Xiongjian, grinding out a 70-move victory in the opener and sealing the match in 46 moves in the second game. The Kolkata-based GM now sets up a challenging Round 2 encounter with Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia.

Meanwhile, Aronyak Ghosh, who had stunned Polish GM Mateusz Bartel in the classical segment to stay alive, carried his momentum into the rapid games. He won both encounters in the second stage first in 54 moves and then in just 20 after capitalising on his opponent’s blunders. Aronyak now takes on Levon Aronian of the United States in the next round.

The Indian contingent had a productive day overall, with Lalith Babu MR and Rithvik Raja also putting up spirited performances. Rithvik, who lost his opening tiebreak game, bounced back to level the match against Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan before bowing out in the decider.

With six other Indians including Surya Shekhar Ganguly, Pranav V, Raunak Sadhwani, Pranesh M, Karthik Venkatraman, and Iniyan Pa having already reached the second round, India now has 17 players in the main draw. One of them is guaranteed a spot in the third round as Karthik Venkatraman faces Aravindh Chithambaram in an all-Indian clash on Tuesday.

The FIDE World Cup 2025, being held in Goa, features 206 players from 82 countries competing for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup, named after India’s five-time world champion.