Indian GM Karthik Marches into FIDE World Cup Fourth Round

Grandmaster Karthik Venkataraman continued his remarkable form at the FIDE World Cup 2025, defeating Romanian GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac in the tiebreaks to secure a place in the fourth round. The match took place in Panaji, Goa, on Sunday, where Karthik played with exceptional skill and composure.

The 24-year-old Indian player won the second tiebreak game with the black pieces in just 43 moves, after having drawn the first rapid game earlier. His clever use of the bishop advantage and a tactical pin on Deac’s king sealed the victory, earning praise from fans and experts alike.

Reflecting on his win, Karthik shared his thoughts on the games. He said, “In the classical game against Deac, it was not too well, but I somehow managed to defend. However, in both rapid games, I played well. I don’t know if I was objectively winning in the first game, but I was clearly better. The second game was also smooth.”

His calm yet confident performance in the rapid format highlighted his adaptability and strategic depth. Despite the high-pressure format of the World Cup, Karthik managed to stay composed and make the right moves at crucial moments.

After this victory, Karthik will now face Le Quang Liem, one of Vietnam’s strongest grandmasters and a former World Blitz Champion. The upcoming match is expected to be challenging, but Karthik’s current form and confidence give him a promising chance to advance further.

His steady rise in this tournament has made him one of the standout Indian performers at the Viswanathan Anand Cup, a title under which this World Cup event is being held.

Karthik also spoke about the pressure of playing in such a high-stakes knockout competition. He explained that the World Cup format is very different from traditional Swiss or round-robin tournaments, where players can afford to drop a few points and recover later.

“Here, you are always under pressure that you can be eliminated. That pressure is a lot to handle,” he said. The knockout format demands both physical endurance and mental focus, as every game can decide the player’s fate in the tournament.

Karthik’s victory means that five Indian players will compete in the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup. This is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the growing strength and consistency of Indian chess on the world stage.

The rest day on Monday will allow players to recharge before the next round begins. The Indian contingent continues to attract attention for its depth of talent and tactical brilliance.

While Karthik celebrated his progress, there was disappointment for Vidit Gujrathi and Narayanan SL, who were both eliminated after long and intense battles in their respective matches.

Vidit started his tiebreaker strongly against Samuel Shankland of the United States, winning the first rapid game in 75 moves. However, he faltered in the second game after a misjudged queen exchange under time pressure, losing in 49 moves. This defeat pushed the match into another set of rapid games, where Vidit eventually lost the sixth game in 61 moves, ending his campaign.

Meanwhile, Narayanan SL faced Yu Yangyi of China in another dramatic encounter. Despite putting up a strong defensive performance, Narayanan eventually succumbed after a 125-move marathon game. His resilience was commendable, but he couldn’t prevent Yu’s attack from breaking through. With the second game ending in a draw, Narayanan was knocked out of the tournament.

Both Vidit and Narayanan’s exits were disappointing, but their efforts showed the depth of Indian talent competing at this elite level.

The performance of Indian players at the FIDE World Cup 2025 has drawn praise from the global chess community. With five players advancing to the next round, India’s chess strength continues to shine internationally.

Karthik Venkataraman’s inspiring run is a reflection of years of hard work and growing competitiveness in Indian chess. His calmness under pressure, sharp tactical play, and fighting spirit have made him one of the players to watch in the tournament’s upcoming rounds.

As the competition intensifies after the rest day, Karthik will focus on preparing for his next challenge against Le Quang Liem. With momentum on his side and support from Indian fans, he will aim to continue his dream run in Goa and push deeper into the prestigious championship.

Regardless of what lies ahead, Karthik’s performance has already made him a standout figure in this year’s FIDE World Cup, symbolizing the rise of a new generation of confident, world-class Indian chess players.