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2nd UzChess Cup Round 2: Praggnanandhaa Dominates, Becomes World No. 5
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa crushed GM Shamsiddin Vokhidov in Round 2 of the 2nd UzChess Cup 2025. He got a dream setup with the English Opening. Vokhidov made a big mistake by accepting a knight sacrifice — and paid the price.
This brilliant win pushes Praggnanandhaa to a live rating of 2777.2, making him World No. 5 and India No. 2.
Other Key Results:
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Arjun Erigaisi played a solid draw with Parham Maghsoodloo.
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Aravindh Chithambaram struggled early and lost to Nodirbek Yakubboev.
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Javokhir Sindarov missed chances and drew with Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
Currently, four players lead the Masters section with 1.5 points out of 2:
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Praggnanandhaa
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Arjun Erigaisi
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Nodirbek Abdusattorov
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Javokhir Sindarov
Game Spotlight:
Praggnanandhaa vs Vokhidov
Praggnanandhaa last played Vokhidov 7.5 years ago at the World Youth Olympiad — and won that game too. This time, he followed the English Opening and built a strong kingside attack.
📌 Key moment:
After 19.Bxh6, Vokhidov should have played 19…Qh4. Instead, he took the knight (19…gxh5??), which allowed Praggnanandhaa to launch a crushing attack. Within a few moves, the game was over.
This victory showcased Praggnanandhaa’s deep preparation and attacking skills.
Sindarov vs Abdusattorov: A Missed Win
GM Javokhir Sindarov had chances to beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov. He got a promising position after 25.e6! But instead of keeping pressure, he simplified too early and let Abdusattorov equalize.
The game ended in a draw after 41 moves.
Arjun Erigaisi Holds Maghsoodloo
In a balanced game, Arjun Erigaisi drew with Parham Maghsoodloo. Neither side had serious winning chances. Both players showed solid preparation and caution.
Aravindh Blunders Against Yakubboev
GM Aravindh Chithambaram never found his rhythm against Nodirbek Yakubboev. He misplayed early (18.Kd2?) and later blundered again with 42.Re5?? Yakubboev converted smoothly for the full point.
Other Draws
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Richard Rapport and Ian Nepomniachtchi ended their battle in a quiet draw.
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Both sides played safely without taking major risks.
Current Standings After Round 2 (Masters):
Top 5 Players:
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Arjun Erigaisi – 1.5/2
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Javokhir Sindarov – 1.5/2
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Nodirbek Abdusattorov – 1.5/2
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R Praggnanandhaa – 1.5/2
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Parham Maghsoodloo – 1/2
Replay Live stream of UzChess Cup Round 2
Time Control:
Masters: 90 mins for 40 moves + 30 mins for rest of game, with 30s increment from move 1. Other Sections: 90 mins + 30s increment throughout.
Prize Fund:
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Total: $121,500
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Masters: $80,000
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Challengers: $25,000
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Futures: $11,500
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Open: $5,000
Round 3 Schedule:
Starts at 3:00 p.m. local time / 3:30 p.m. IST tomorrow. The final round (June 26) begins at 11:00 a.m. local time / 11:30 a.m. IST.
Photos: Shahid Ahmed, UzChess Cup
Source: CHESSBASE
