FIDE World Cup 2025: Diptayan Ghosh Shocks Nepomniachtchi with Black Pieces

Panaji — Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh created a major sensation at the FIDE World Cup 2025, defeating two-time Candidates winner Ian Nepomniachtchi with the black pieces. Meanwhile, GM P. Harikrishna showcased a brilliant performance to outplay Arseniy Nesterov and secure a spot in the third round on Wednesday.

Also advancing were reigning world champion Gukesh D and India’s top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi. After being held to a draw in the first game, Gukesh bounced back to defeat 2024 World Junior Champion Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan in 59 moves. Arjun was the only Indian to score back-to-back wins, defeating Bulgarian GM Martin Petrov in 48 moves with the white pieces.

However, the spotlight of the day firmly rested on Diptayan. After drawing his first game against Nepomniachtchi with white, the Indian grandmaster capitalized on a minor opening error by the Russian and converted it into a stunning victory in 47 moves.

“Defeating Nepo in a match is a huge achievement. It’s definitely a special day—it will take some time to sink in,” said Diptayan, participating in his maiden World Cup.

Earlier, 39-year-old Harikrishna delivered a masterclass by sacrificing his queen as early as the eighth move to seize Nesterov’s knight and bishop, gaining a decisive advantage. He wrapped up the match in just 29 moves to become the first Indian to advance to Round 3.

“I had prepared this idea nine years ago and wasn’t sure if I should use it now, as my opponent might know how to counter it,” Harikrishna said. “I figured he probably did—but decided to play it anyway.”

The FIDE World Cup 2025, featuring 206 players from 82 nations, is being contested in a single-elimination format for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup, named in honor of the Indian chess legend.

Seventeen Indian players began in Round 2, with GMs Aravindh Chithambaram and Karthik Venkataraman facing off in an all-Indian clash.

Elsewhere, GMs Raunak Sadhwani, Vidit Gujrathi, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Narayanan S.L. are set for tiebreaks after both their games ended in draws.

World Junior Champion Pranav V will also play a tiebreak on Thursday, having lost his second game to Aryan Tari of Norway after winning the opener with black pieces.

With inputs from IANS