Ghosh topples Nepo as Indian stars advance in Chess Cup

Indian Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh produced a stunning performance to knock out former World Championship finalist Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia in the second round of the World Chess Cup in Panjim on Wednesday. In what turned out to be one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, the 26-year-old Kolkata player outclassed his higher-rated opponent in a dominant display, sealing the match 1.5–0.5.

“This is certainly the biggest victory of my chess career, beating Nepo in a match,” an elated Ghosh said after his remarkable win. The triumph marks a major milestone for the Indian, who has long been regarded as one of the country's most consistent yet understated players.

Facing the Russian with the black pieces, Ghosh held firm in the opening before capitalising on a crucial tactical oversight by Nepomniachtchi in the middlegame, which cost the latter a pawn. From there, Ghosh’s technical precision came to the fore as he gradually converted his advantage into a decisive rook-and-pawn endgame victory. Nepomniachtchi, visibly frustrated, had no response to Ghosh’s steady play and eventually conceded defeat.

The result sent shockwaves through the tournament, as Nepomniachtchi, a two-time World Championship challenger, was one of the favourites to go deep into the event.

Elsewhere, Grandmaster P. Harikrishna became the first Indian to advance to the third round, defeating Russia’s Arseniy Nesterov convincingly. However, World Junior Champion V. Pranav suffered a setback, losing to Norway’s Aryan Tari and forcing a tiebreaker.

World Champion D. Gukesh continued his composed run, defeating Nogerbek Kazybek of Kazakhstan to book his place in the third round. After drawing the first game, Gukesh displayed trademark patience with the black pieces, slowly increasing pressure until Kazybek’s position collapsed.

Meanwhile, India’s top-rated player Arjun Erigaisi also cruised into the last 64, beating Bulgaria’s Martin Petrov for his second straight match win. Arjun was in control from the opening, staying solid while Petrov consumed time searching for complications. In the endgame, Arjun calmly converted his advantage, highlighting his form heading into the later rounds.

Young star R. Praggnanandhaa, however, was held to another draw by Temur Kuybokarov of Australia, sending their duel into tiebreaks. Playing the Pirc Defence as black, Praggnanandhaa pressed for victory but Kuybokarov remained steady, and the players agreed to a draw after 46 moves.

Among other Indian players, Surya Shekhar Ganguly and Aronyak Ghosh bowed out after identical 0.5 -- 1.5 defeats against Frenchman Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and American Levon Aronian, respectively.

With Ghosh’s stunning win and several Indians advancing to the next round, the World Chess Cup has turned into a showcase of India’s growing strength on the global stage.

Round 2 Highlights (Game 2):

D. Gukesh bt Nogerbek Kazybek (Kaz) 1.5–0.5

Arjun Erigaisi bt Martin Petrov (Bul) 2–0

Diptayan Ghosh bt Ian Nepomniachtchi (Fid) 1.5–0.5

P. Harikrishna bt Arseniy Nesterov (Fid) 1.5–0.5

R. Praggnanandhaa drew with Temur Kuybokarov (Aus) 1–1 (to tiebreak)

V. Pranav lost to Aryan Tari (Nor) 1–1 (to tiebreak)

Surya Shekhar Ganguly lost to Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra) 0.5–1.5

Aronyak Ghosh lost to Levon Aronian (USA) 0.5–1.5