Uzbekistan’s 19-year-old GM Javokhir Sindarov created history in Panaji by defeating China’s GM Wei Yi in the second rapid tiebreak game to win the FIDE World Cup 2025. The victory makes him the youngest-ever World Cup champion and the first from Uzbekistan to claim the title.
GM P Harikrishna was knocked out in the Round 5 tiebreaks of the FIDE World Cup 2025, leaving GM Arjun Erigaisi as India’s sole contender. Arjun now advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face China’s GM Wei Yi.
Arjun Erigaisi pressed hard but couldn’t break Levon Aronian’s defence, while P Harikrishna held a comfortable draw against Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara in the opening game of Round 5 at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Panaji. Photo Credit – Eteri Kublashvili / FIDE
From playing chess nationals at age 5 to overcoming financial hurdles and traveling alone for tournaments, Ilamparthy AR’s story is one of grit and brilliance. At just 16, he has now achieved the remarkable feat of becoming India’s 90th Grandmaster — a milestone that marks both passion and perseverance.
International Master Divya Deshmukh creates history by becoming the second Indian to reach the semi-finals of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 in Batumi, Georgia, joining Grandmaster Koneru Humpy in the Final 4. Her remarkable run cements India’s strong presence on the global chess stage.
