Tag: Chess

Sports

FIDE World Cup 2025: Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna Draw Opening Game of Round 5

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Photo Credit – Eteri Kublashvili / FIDE

Panaji, November 14: GM Arjun Erigaisi’s determined attempts to push for victory against GM Levon Aronian did not yield a breakthrough, while GM P Harikrishna opted for a safe and steady draw against GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara as Round 5 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 began in Panaji on Friday.

Playing with the white pieces, Arjun entered a complex double rook endgame where he held a slight edge. However, Aronian defended resourcefully, surviving a long think on his 21st move and steering the game back to equality. After 41 moves, the players agreed to a draw, leaving the second classical game on Saturday as the decider—this time with Aronian enjoying the white pieces.

Harikrishna, meanwhile, ensured a smooth day at the office. Facing giant-killer Alcantara, who has impressed in the tournament so far, the Indian GM maintained precise play with black. Both players quickly traded into a rook–pawn endgame and settled for a draw after 41 moves.

The FIDE World Cup 2025 began with 206 players from 82 countries, including a strong contingent of 24 Indian participants. After four gruelling rounds, only Arjun and Harikrishna remain in the chase for the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Trophy and the coveted Candidates spots.

At the time of reporting, six of the eight Round 5 matches had ended in draws, setting up an intense second classical game.

Indian Results (Round 5, Game 1)

  • GM Arjun Erigaisi drew with GM Levon Aronian — 0.5 : 0.5
  • GM Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara drew with GM P Harikrishna — 0.5 : 0.5
Sports

Raahul V S Becomes India’s 91st Chess Grandmaster After Winning ASEAN Individual Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

India’s chess fraternity is celebrating a new milestone as Raahul V S becomes the nation’s 91st Grandmaster, following his outstanding victory at the ASEAN Individual Championship. Raahul clinched the title with a round to spare, showcasing remarkable skill, strategy, and composure throughout the tournament. His achievement marks another shining chapter in Bharat’s rapidly growing chess legacy.

Raahul’s journey to the Grandmaster title has been one of consistent dedication, discipline, and passion for the game. Over the years, he has demonstrated exceptional promise in national and international tournaments, steadily building his reputation as one of India’s brightest young chess talents. His victory at the ASEAN Championship not only earned him the coveted GM title but also reaffirmed India’s position as one of the world’s strongest chess nations.

Becoming a Grandmaster is a defining milestone for any chess player, representing mastery over one of the most intellectually demanding sports. Raahul’s success adds to India’s remarkable tally of chess achievements, following a golden era that has seen the rise of young prodigies continuing the legacy started by legends such as Viswanathan Anand.

The achievement is being celebrated across the Indian chess community, with fans and peers hailing Raahul’s performance as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country. His success story reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and India’s growing investment in nurturing chess at the grassroots level.

As the 91st Grandmaster of Bharat, Raahul V S embodies the nation’s rising dominance in the world of chess — a game that continues to capture the imagination of millions. With his latest triumph, he joins an elite league of minds who have carried India’s intellectual tradition onto the global stage.

Heartiest congratulations to Grandmaster Raahul V S — may this be just the beginning of a long and victorious journey ahead, inspiring generations of young players to make Bharat proud.

Entertainment

From Struggles to Stardom: 16-Year-Old Ilamparthy AR Becomes India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster ♟️✨

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At the tender age of five, while most children were learning their first alphabets, Ilamparthy AR was already mastering chess strategies. Growing up in modest circumstances, his passion for the game saw him travel alone across cities, often marked by financial challenges at home.

Now, at just 16, Ilamparthy has made history by becoming India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster — a feat that cements his place among the country’s brightest sporting minds.

His journey is a story of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. Each move on the board reflected his belief that intelligence thrives where determination meets opportunity.

As the chess world celebrates this young prodigy, Ilamparthy stands as a symbol of India’s emerging sporting spirit — one that is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable. ♟️🇮🇳

Sports

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates FIDE World Cup Chess Match in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa witnessed a historic moment as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant made the ceremonial first move in the highly anticipated match between World Champion D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek at the FIDE World Cup. The event was attended by eminent chess personalities, including Viswanathan Anand, GM Abhijeet Kunte, MLA Praveen Arlekar, and other dignitaries, making it a significant occasion for Indian chess.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister remarked that hosting such a prestigious global chess tournament is a proud milestone for Goa and reflects the state’s growing importance in international sports. He emphasized that the event not only promotes competitive chess but also inspires young talent in Goa to aspire to global excellence.

The FIDE World Cup match between D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek brought together India’s finest chess talents and international stars, highlighting the nation’s rising stature in the global chess arena. The presence of legends like Viswanathan Anand further elevated the event, making it a memorable experience for players, spectators, and fans.

This historic occasion signifies Goa’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events, fostering talent, and promoting the state as a hub for cultural and sporting excellence.

TechPulse

Viswanathan Anand Inaugurates Global Chess League’s Experience Centre in Plano, Dallas

Tanisha Cardozo

The Global Chess League (GCL) inaugurated its new Experience Centre in Plano, Dallas, with five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand leading the launch. Designed to merge chess, technology, and innovation, the centre provides an interactive environment where players, fans, and innovators can explore AI-driven analysis, digital platforms, and cutting-edge tools to enhance the game.

Overlooking Plano’s skyline, the facility features spaces for tournaments, live game analysis, digital chess innovations, and community engagement. Anand emphasized the centre’s role in expanding the reach of chess, making it more engaging and interactive while inspiring the next generation of players through technology.

The centre will collaborate with universities, chess federations, and technology partners to advance AI applications in chess, develop digital coaching tools, boost fan engagement, and integrate esports. Peeyush Dubey, Chairperson of the GCL, described the centre as a “living ecosystem” for the global chess community, bringing together players, fans, clubs, universities, and partners to co-create the future of chess.

Since its opening, the Experience Centre has hosted events such as the Texas Women’s State Chess Championship, featuring competitors from 13 countries. It is expected to continue hosting tournaments, interactive programs, and chess-tech showcases for enthusiasts, students, and partners.

The launch demonstrates the growing integration of strategic sports with digital innovation, providing a unique hub where technology and chess converge to inspire players and fans alike, shaping the future of the game on a global scale.