The FIDE World Cup 2025 is heating up, and this time, two of India’s very own chess stars, Arjun Erigaisi and P Harikrishna, have made it to the next round with some breathtaking plays. The FIDE World Cup round 4 battles were no less than a thriller, full of twists and turns, proving once again why chess is not just a game, but a mind sport that commands attention worldwide.
Arjun Erigaisi Stands Out In FIDE World Cup Round 4
Starting with Arjun Erigaisi, who faced the Hungarian legend Peter Leko. The match was intense, with the classical games ending in draws, pushing both players into the rapid tiebreaks. Arjun took control in the tiebreak games, winning both with strong, smart moves. Especially in the first rapid game, Arjun showed his tactical brilliance, grabbing a crucial pawn and steadily pushing Peter Leko under pressure until he secured the win. With this 3-1 score in the FIDE World Cup round 4 tiebreak, Arjun advanced confidently to Round 5. Every move from him showed calmness and focus, and beating a player as experienced as Leko only adds to his growing reputation.
Pentala Harikrishna In The FIDE World Cup Round
On the other side, Pentala Harikrishna battled Sweden’s top player, Nils Grandelius, in a match full of twists. After drawing the classical games, the fight moved to the rapid tiebreaks as well. The first FIDE World Cup round 4 tiebreak game was tough for Harikrishna, but he managed to hold his ground and settle for a draw, despite being in a difficult position.
Then, in the second rapid game, Harikrishna played some beautiful chess. A brilliant pawn move at a critical moment broke Grandelius’ defences, and Harikrishna went on to convert this advantage into a win. The 2.5-1.5 tiebreak victory shows just how resilient and skilful Harikrishna is. This veteran grandmaster is proving that experience still counts in this high-pressure knockout format.
So, What Happens Now?
Both Arjun and Harikrishna head to Round 5 with their heads held high. Arjun will be facing the strong American grandmaster Levon Aronian, a two-time World Cup winner, a true legend and a tough challenge ahead. Meanwhile, Harikrishna is set to meet Mexico’s top player, Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara. No easy matches here, but if their Round 4 performances tell us anything, these two Indians are more than ready for the battles coming up.
These wins mean a lot not just for Arjun and Harikrishna but for Indian chess as a whole. Their success inspires many young players across the country who dream of excelling on the world stage. With every match, India’s presence in international chess grows stronger, and these victories show that the future is bright.
Also read: R Praggnanandhaa Out Of The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
