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Karthik Venkataraman Shines: Indian GM Powers into FIDE World Cup 2025 Round 4
Indian Grandmaster Karthik Venkataraman has made the nation proud, securing his spot in the fourth round of the FIDE World Cup 2025. In a gripping tiebreaker on Sunday in Panaji, Karthik defeated formidable Romanian GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac, keeping India’s hopes alive in the prestigious tournament.
His victory was a display of sheer determination and strategic brilliance, particularly in the rapid format, ensuring his advancement to the next stage.
Karthik’s Dominant Tiebreaker Performance
The decisive moment came in the second tiebreaker game, where Karthik, playing with the black pieces, capitalized on a bishop advantage. He skillfully cornered Deac’s king, forcing a win in just 43 moves. The first rapid game between the two had earlier concluded in a draw, with Karthik holding white.
Reflecting on his performance, Karthik shared, “Classical game against Deac it was not too well but I somehow managed to defend. But in both the rapid games I played well. I don’t know if I was objectively winning in the first game but I was clearly better. Second game also it was smooth.”
This critical win sets up an exciting fourth-round clash for Karthik against Vietnamese chess maestro Le Quang Liem.
Navigating the Pressure Cooker: A Champion’s Perspective
The FIDE World Cup format is notoriously demanding, a fact Karthik highlighted. “Chess players are not used to playing this kind of format,” he explained. “Normally it is Swiss or round robin and one can relax a bit. But here you are always under pressure that you can be eliminated and that pressure is a lot to handle.”
Despite the immense pressure, Karthik, a two-time National Champion, has shown remarkable resilience. His journey to this point included a significant second-round victory against fellow Indian player Aravindh Chithambaram, showcasing his consistent form.
Mixed Fortunes for the Indian Contingent
While Karthik celebrates his progression, the FIDE World Cup 2025 saw other Indian Grandmasters facing tough challenges and ultimately exiting the tournament in Round 3.
Vidit Gujrathi’s Heartbreak
GM Vidit Gujrathi, despite an initial win in his first rapid game against American GM Sam Shankland in 75 moves, couldn’t maintain his lead. He lost the second game in 49 moves due to a queen exchange error under severe time pressure.
The match extended to a second set of rapid games, where Vidit ultimately lost the sixth game with white pieces in 61 moves, bringing his tournament run to an end.
Narayanan SL’s Marathon Effort
Indian player Narayanan SL also exited the competition after a marathon 125-move game with black pieces against Chinese GM Yu Yangyi. Though he secured a draw in the second game, it wasn’t enough to prevent his elimination from the World Cup.
Indian Performance Snapshot (Round 3 Tiebreakers)
Here’s a quick look at how the Indian GMs fared in the third-round tiebreakers:
- GM Karthik Venkataraman bt GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac (ROU) 2.5-1.5
- GM Narayanan SL lost to GM Yu Yangyi (CHN) 1.5:2.5
- GM Vidit Gujrathi lost to GM Sam Shankland (USA) 2.5:3.5
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for India?
Karthik’s triumph means five Indian players are now set to compete in the fourth round after Monday’s rest day. This strong Indian presence brings them closer to potential spots in the prestigious Viswanathan Anand Cup and the coveted Candidates Tournament, fueling excitement among chess fans nationwide.
Conclusion
Karthik Venkataraman’s impressive victory against GM Bogdan-Daniel Deac is a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. As he prepares for his next challenge against Le Quang Liem, all eyes will be on him and the other remaining Indian Grandmasters. The FIDE World Cup 2025 continues to be a thrilling journey, promising more intense chess action as the tournament progresses.
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