New Delhi: Arjun Erigaisi delivered another composed performance in the Chess World Cup in Panjim by defeating Shamsiddin Vokhidov in a sharp attacking game. The Indian Grandmaster, who has been in impressive touch throughout the tournament, took full control with white pieces in a Queen pawn setup and overpowered the Uzbek player in convincing fashion. The win marks his third straight victory in the knockout stage and places him one step away from the fourth round, where even a draw in the return game will be enough to advance.
P Harikrishna also moved into a strong position after outplaying Daniel Dardha of Belgium in a well constructed game that highlighted his precision and attacking strength. Having long been regarded for his strategic depth, Harikrishna showed excellent form once again. His win with white pieces puts him in the same comfortable scenario as Erigaisi, needing only a draw in the second game to progress.
In other matches from the round of 64, R Praggnanandhaa began steadily with a draw against Robert Hovhannisyan of Armenia while playing with black pieces. The result keeps the match balanced heading into the second game. Vidit Gujrathi also opened his third round campaign with a solid draw against American Grandmaster Sam Shankland, maintaining parity as he looks to push for qualification in the next game.
World champion D Gukesh had a quiet start to his third round match, settling for a draw against Frederik Svane of Germany. The game remained balanced throughout, with neither side taking undue risks. Gukesh will now look for stronger opportunities with white in the second encounter.
With several Indian players positioned well after the first set of games, the upcoming round promises intense battles as they aim to secure their spots in the next stage of the tournament.
