FIDE World Cup Round 1, Day 2: Favourites Advance, but Drama Awaits in the Tiebreaks
The day 2 of Round 1 at the FIDE World Cup in Goa was packed with excitement and intense battles. As the top 50 seeds arrived, the games began right on time at the Baga Resort Rio Convention Hall. The atmosphere was filled with focus and anticipation as elite players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Javokhir Sindarov, Vladimir Fedoseev, and Jorden van Foreest settled in.
Among the crowd was Vietnam’s 13th seed, Le Quang Liem, who enjoyed a calm lunch before the action began. Commentator Jan Gustafsson noted that players coming from distant time zones might still be adjusting, while India’s own Vidit Gujrathi appeared relaxed as he strolled through the hall.
More top players, including World Champion Gukesh D, will join in Round 2 — making the next stage even more thrilling.
Anand Makes the Ceremonial First Move
A special moment came when the legendary Vishy Anand, five-time World Champion and current FIDE Deputy President, officially opened the round. Anand played 1.c4 on behalf of Turkey’s young star Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. His opponent’s move, 1…e5, was made by Ali Fouzi, President of the Libyan Chess Federation.
Early Results and Surprises
Just 15 minutes into the round, three players advanced by forfeit as their opponents failed to appear — Amin Bassem, Étienne Bacrot, and Nikita Petrov.
Meanwhile, Barbadian IM Orlando Husbands arrived late for his first game but made it for the second, putting up a strong fight against Germany’s Frederik Svane. Though he lost the match, his determination was admirable.
Rising Stars Shine
The first decisive win came from 15-year-old American prodigy Andy Woodward, who defeated India’s Himal Gusain with a commanding 2–0 score. Woodward’s precise play with the black pieces forced a quick resignation after a powerful kingside attack. His victory earned him a match with Austria’s Kirill Alekseenko in Round 2.
Another young talent, 14-year-old Argentinian IM Ilan Schnaider, faced Serbian GM Aleksandar Indjic. Schnaider fought bravely after losing his first game but missed a winning opportunity with 17.Qa4+!. Indjic managed to draw and advance, eliminating the young star.
Comebacks and Brilliant Finishes
Chilean GM Cristóbal Henríquez Villagra, who lost a drawn game on time the previous day, bounced back with a brilliant win. He ended the game with the elegant 45.Re8+!, forcing a beautiful checkmate pattern known as the Dovetail Mate (46.Qd6#).
Spain’s top player, GM David Antón Guijarro, delivered the “Combination of the Day.” He sacrificed his queen with 32…Qxa7! against Angolan IM David Silva and finished with flawless precision to win 2–0 and qualify for the next round.
Divya Deshmukh’s Brave Battle
India’s GM Divya Deshmukh, the reigning Women’s World Cup champion and the only female in the field, was knocked out after a tough fight against GM Stamatis Kourkoulos-Arditis. Despite her bold, attacking style, Divya fell short in a tricky rook endgame.
Shock Exit for Leon Mendonca
One of the biggest surprises came when Indian GM Leon Luke Mendonca (2620) was eliminated by China’s IM Wang Shixu B (2402). The upset sent ripples through the hall, proving once again that anything can happen in knockout chess.
All Eyes on the Tiebreaks
While most favourites cruised through, 20 matches ended in 1–1 draws, setting up thrilling tiebreaks for tomorrow.
The tiebreak format is intense:
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Two rapid games (15+10).
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If still tied, two more rapid games (10+10).
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Then blitz rounds (5+3, then 3+2).
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If all else fails, Armageddon decides the winner — players secretly bid for time, and Black wins if the game ends in a draw!
The tiebreaks begin on November 3 at 3 PM local time and can be watched live on the FIDE YouTube Channel, with commentary by GMs Evgenij Miroshnichenko and Jan Gustafsson.
The Battle Continues
As Round 1 wraps up, the excitement only grows. With young stars, seasoned grandmasters, and dramatic finishes, the 2025 FIDE World Cup in Goa is already living up to its reputation as one of the world’s most thrilling chess tournaments.
Photos: Michal Walusza, Eteri Kublashvili, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
