Tactical Battles Begin: Gukesh Chooses English Setup as Round 2 Kicks Off in FIDE World Cup
The FIDE Chess World Cup 2025's second round begins on Tuesday at the Resort Rio Convention Centre in Goa, featuring 17 Indian players among the competitors. In the opening round, the top fifty-seeded players, including eight from India, were granted byes. Notably, the second round marks the return of the top seed and reigning World Champion D. Gukesh, along with India No. 1 Arjun Erigaisi and third seed R. Praggnanandhaa.
A total of 24 Indian players participated in a field of 206 competitors, with the top 50 seeds receiving byes in the opening round. Sixteen Indians competed, but after the first round, only 17 remain in contention for the title, following the elimination of seven players. Notably, reigning Women’s World Cup champion Divya Deshmukh, the only female wildcard, was among...










