The Indian EWC 2025 fame, Nihal Sarin, is making headlines once again, and this time, it’s not because he’s losing to Magnus Carlsen. It’s because he’s winning. He has taken the joint lead in the ongoing FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 with Mattias Bluebaum. This lead came after a sensational victory over the overnight leader, Parham Maghsoodloo. This isn’t just another win; it’s a statement that Nihal Sarin is a force to be reckoned with.
How Did Nihal Sarin Get The Lead?
After seven intense rounds in Samarkand, Nihal Sarin has accumulated an impressive 5.5 points out of 7, matching the score of Matthias Bluebaum, who also delivered a striking win against Arjun Erigaisi. While Maghsoodloo had been cruise-controlling the leaderboard earlier, Nihal’s thrilling victory in round seven dramatically changed the dynamics at the top.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, starting with what looked like a notoriously drawish Exchange Slav but quickly spiralled into chaos where both players made spine-tingling moves under extreme time pressure. Nihal’s fearless “33.Rxc6!” sacrifice came down to pure nerves and clutch precision with seconds ticking away, proving his calm composure even in the most heart-stopping positions.
Why Is This A Big Deal?
Joining him at the top, Matthias Bluebaum’s run has been nothing short of impressive, recording 4.5 wins out of his last 5 games. His victory over Arjun Erigaisi was another example of top-level grit and smart play that earned him the joint leader status. Against Bluebaum’s strategic brilliance and Sarin’s aggressive tenacity, the battle for the FIDE Candidates spots for 2026 is heating up fast, with seven other players lurking just half a point behind.
The tournament itself has been a whirlwind with six decisive games on the top boards during round seven alone, a sign that the competition is fierce and unpredictability is the name of the game. While the likes of Alireza Firouzja, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Vidit Gujrathi secured notable wins, even the reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju has struggled, suffering his third consecutive loss.
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With four rounds remaining, all eyes are on the showdown scheduled with Nihal Sarin and Matthias Bluebaum slated to face each other. This head-to-head clash promises fireworks as both players are locked in a thrilling race, each hungry to solidify their position and claim the ultimate prize, a coveted spot in the 2026 Candidates tournament.
Also read: Gukesh D Suffers A Hat-Trick Of Lose In The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025
