By SRTeam In a thrilling third-round encounter at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured a significant victory against India’s top-ranked player, Arjun Erigaisi. This win propels Praggnanandhaa to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive score of 2.5 out of 3.
The Match: Praggnanandhaa vs. Erigaisi
Facing each other in a highly anticipated match, Praggnanandhaa, wielding the white pieces, engaged Erigaisi in a complex battle. The game took a critical turn when Erigaisi captured Praggnanandhaa’s queen on the eighth move, leading to a series of strategic exchanges. Despite Erigaisi’s resilience, a miscalculation on his 51st move (Ne3) and a subsequent error on the 56th move (Rxd3) left him in a precarious position, culminating in his resignation by the 60th move.
Indian Contingent’s Performance
The 87th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, features a historic participation of five Indian grandmasters, highlighting India’s growing prominence in the global chess arena.
- Leon Luke Mendonca: After two initial losses, Mendonca earned his first point by drawing against veteran Pentala Harikrishna. Despite health challenges, the 18-year-old demonstrated commendable resilience, engaging in an aggressive playstyle that led to a balanced position and an eventual draw on the 44th move.
- D Gukesh: The newly crowned World Chess Champion, Gukesh, opted for a cautious approach against World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana. The game concluded in a draw after 22 moves, reflecting Gukesh’s strategic decision to manage his energy amid a demanding schedule.
Tournament Standings
With his victory over Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa leads the tournament standings with 2.5 points. He is closely followed by other top contenders, including Fabiano Caruana and D Gukesh, who are maintaining strong performances in the early rounds.
Looking Ahead
The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 continues to showcase high-caliber matches, with Indian grandmasters playing pivotal roles. As the tournament progresses, the performances of Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Erigaisi, Harikrishna, and Mendonca will be closely watched, reflecting India’s rising influence in the international chess community.
The next rounds promise further excitement as players navigate the complexities of the game, aiming for supremacy in one of the most prestigious events on the chess calendar.