Huge Upset At FIDE World Cup! Former World Challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi Eliminated By Indian GM

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 20:31 IST

Diptayan Ghosh stunned Ian Nepomniachtchi at the World Chess Cup. P. Harikrishna advanced, while V. Pranav faces a tiebreak against Aryan Tari. Arjun Erigaisi also won his match.

Nepomniachtchi was completely outplayed by Ghosh (FIDE)

Indian GM Diptayan Ghosh pulled off the biggest shock of the World Chess Cup on Wednesday, knocking out former world championship challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi in the second round.

In what turned out to be a one-sided affair, Ghosh dominated from the early middle game as Nepomniachtchi, playing white, blundered away a pawn with a simple tactical oversight. Once ahead, the Indian never looked back, coolly converting his advantage in a rook-and-pawn endgame.

“This is certainly the biggest victory of my chess career, beating Nepo in a match," said a jubilant Ghosh after sealing the win.

Elsewhere, Grandmaster P. Harikrishna became the first Indian to enter the third round, after dismantling Russia’s Arseniy Nesterov 1.5–0.5.

However, world junior champion V. Pranav faltered against Aryan Tari of Norway, squandering his first-game lead to force a tiebreak.

Indian Results (Round 2, Game 2):

D. Ghosh beat I. Nepomniachtchi (FIDE) 1.5–0.5

P. Harikrishna beat A. Nesterov (FIDE) 1.5–0.5

Arjun Erigaisi beat M. Petrov (BUL)

R. Praggnanandhaa drew T. Kuybokarov (AUS)

V. Pranav lost to A. Tari (NOR) – goes to tiebreak

S.L. Narayanan, M. Pranesh, and R. Sadhwani also head to tiebreaks

(with PTI inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

News sports Huge Upset At FIDE World Cup! Former World Challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi Eliminated By Indian GM

Read More