The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa began with 206 players, including 24 Indians. Now, only three from the host country remain in contention: second seed Arjun Erigaisi, third seed R. Praggnanandhaa, and veteran Pentala Harikrishna. Indian representation dwindled on Wednesday after Pranav V and Karthik Venkataraman crashed out of the competition.

Following a quick 20-move draw in Game 1 of the fourth round, Erigaisi and Peter Leko played another brisk game, blitzing out the first 16 moves. The Hungarian grandmaster was solid in defence, offering the Indian no clear opportunities for a breakthrough and after 36 moves, the pair agreed to a draw.

Leko stated he was not intimidated by Arjun’s opening choice.

“I was getting deeper into my preparations, and wasn’t really afraid of Arjun’s

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