R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh & Divya Deshmukh Among Indian Stars At FIDE Grand Swiss

Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 18:46 IST

R Praggnanandhaa aims for a 2026 Candidates spot at the FIDE Grand Swiss, joined by D Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh.

R Praggnanandhaa (left) and D Gukesh (PTI Photo)

India’s top-ranked Grandmaster, R Praggnanandhaa, is eager to secure his berth for the 2026 Candidates tournament by excelling in the FIDE Grand Swiss, which begins on Wednesday.

The 11-round tournament features a total prize pool of USD 625,000 in the open section and USD 230,000 in the women’s section, with the top two players from each category earning spots in the Candidates.

Praggnanandhaa is almost guaranteed a spot in the Candidates due to his substantial lead in the performance category qualifier for 2025.

The Candidates features eight contestants: one player qualifying based on performance in the FIDE circuit in 2024 and 2025, two players from the Grand Swiss, three from the World Cup scheduled in Goa in October-November this year, and two based on six months of the highest rating average.

Fabiano Caruana from the US has already bagged his place in the Candidates’, thanks to his excellent performance this year.

Praggnanandhaa holds a commanding lead over his closest rivals this year, barring any unforeseen setbacks.

World Champion D Gukesh will also participate, but his presence does not affect Praggnanandhaa’s chances.

Gukesh’s participation in the Grand Swiss as the world champion is noteworthy and demonstrates his dedication to proving himself at major events.

Arjun Erigaisi might have been closer to a Candidates’ berth if not for Praggnanandhaa’s dominance in 2025, but he still has several events to establish himself as a strong contender.

Vidit Gujrathi, who qualified for the previous Candidates as the Grand Swiss winner in 2023, needs to regain his top form after some lacklustre performances.

Other Indian players in the open section, such as P Harikrishna, Nihal Sarin, and Pranav Venkatesh, will be aiming for good results in this competitive tournament.

Harikrishna brings experience, Nihal has the firepower, and world junior champion Pranav has recent successes, but it remains to be seen who will peak at the right moment.

Divya Deshmukh, who recently won the women’s World Cup, has chosen to play in the open section and received a wild card.

Divya and Koneru Humpy have already qualified for the women’s Candidates after their stellar performance in the World Cup, where they faced off in the final.

However, Humpy has opted not to play in the Grand Swiss as it does not impact her qualification.

In the women’s section, the Indian challenge will be led by D Harika, joined by last edition’s winner R Vaishali and Vantika Agrawal.

The opening ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, followed by the draw of lots, with the first round commencing on Thursday.

(With PTI Inputs)

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First Published:

September 02, 2025, 18:46 IST

News sports R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh & Divya Deshmukh Among Indian Stars At FIDE Grand Swiss

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