Sinquefield Cup 2025: Gukesh Faces Firouzja, Praggnanandhaa Clashes With Duda

Last Updated:August 24, 2025, 14:48 IST

D Gukesh faces Alireza Firouzja and R Praggnanandhaa meets Duda Jan-Krzysztof in a crucial Sinquefield Cup round as Fabiano Caruana leads in St Louis.

Firouzja is a tough customer but Gukesh is in the zone wherein he has survived some tough positions (Picture credit: X @GrandChessTour)

World champion D Gukesh faces a challenging task as he squares off against Alireza Firouzja of France, while his compatriot R Praggnanandhaa will meet Duda Jan-Krzysztof of Poland in the sixth round of the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis.

A rest day in high-level tournaments usually leads to more combative chess, and with the tournament past the halfway stage, both Pragg and Gukesh will be aiming for more than just a draw when play resumes.

Local hero Fabiano Caruana leads the field with 3.5 points, having secured two victories and three draws so far, making him the standout among the 10 participants at this stage.

Praggnanandhaa is just half a point behind with 3 points, having scored a lone victory over Gukesh in the first round, followed by four consecutive draws.

Sharing the second spot with Pragg is the in-form Armenian-turned-American Levon Aronian. Close behind are five players – the American duo of Wesley So and Samuel Sevian, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, Firouzja, and Gukesh, all with 2.5 points each.

Trailing by another half point is Duda, who holds a one-point lead over last-placed Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan.

Firouzja is a formidable opponent, but Gukesh is in good form, having recovered from tough positions after his first-round defeat. The fact that he will have the white pieces in this contest favours him, who requires a strong performance in the remaining four rounds.

Praggnanandhaa started with a brilliant win but has been searching for another victory in his last four games. He now faces Duda, known for his uncompromising style and tactical complexity, presenting a perfect opportunity for Pragg to secure a win.

While Caruana remains a favourite to win the title, there is more at stake beyond the USD 350,000 prize fund. The top four players in the overall standings of the Grand Chess Tour will advance to the grand finale, scheduled to be held in Brazil later this year.

(With PTI Inputs)

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First Published:

August 24, 2025, 14:48 IST

News sports Sinquefield Cup 2025: Gukesh Faces Firouzja, Praggnanandhaa Clashes With Duda

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