Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025: Round 3 Highlights
In an exhilarating third round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, R Praggnanandhaa delivered a stunning performance by defeating India’s top player, Arjun Erigaisi. This victory propelled Praggnanandhaa to the top of the standings with a score of 2.5 out of 3.
Praggnanandhaa’s Stellar Play
The match began with a strategic opening, but the tension escalated when Arjun opted to capture Praggnanandhaa’s queen on the eighth move. Praggnanandhaa countered effectively, and despite Arjun’s efforts to maintain balance, a critical error on the 51st move greatly shifted the momentum. The game reached its climax on the 56th move when Arjun made another blunder, leading to his resignation by the 60th move.
Indian Players’ Mixed Results
While Praggnanandhaa shone brightly, other Indian players faced varied fortunes. Leon Luke Mendonca, after two initial defeats, earned his first point against veteran Pentala Harikrishna. Despite health concerns, the 18-year-old demonstrated resilience, ultimately drawing the game on the 44th move.
Meanwhile, D Gukesh accepted a quick draw against World No. 2, Fabiano Caruana, showcasing a cautious approach that contrasted with his previous aggressive tactics. This decision may reflect Gukesh’s busy schedule, including recent accolades and a swift trip to the Netherlands.
Challengers Section Updates
The Challengers section saw both Rameshbabu Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh suffer defeats, while young talents Lu Miaoyi and Faustino Oro made headlines with their wins, adding excitement to this prestigious event.
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