The 2025 Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands is witnessing the meteoric rise of Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa. The 17-year-old maestro surged into the sole lead after clinching his third straight victory, this time outplaying compatriot Leon Luke Mendonca in Round 4. Praggnanandhaa’s stellar performance has set the stage for a potential clash with reigning world champion and fellow prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh, who had to settle for a hard-fought draw against Russia’s Alexey Sarana.
Praggnanandhaa’s Precision Propels Him to the Top
Wielding the white pieces, Praggnanandhaa demonstrated impeccable accuracy to outmaneuver the 18-year-old Mendonca in a Ruy Lopez opening. The Goan youngster found himself in troubled waters after an inaccurate 24th move, allowing Praggnanandhaa to seize the initiative. Despite valiant resistance, Mendonca succumbed to the mounting pressure and resigned on move 46, propelling Praggnanandhaa to an unblemished 3.5/4 score and the tournament lead.
Praggnanandhaa’s precision and relentless play have been the hallmarks of his victories so far. His unwavering focus and ability to capitalize on the slightest inaccuracies have set him apart from the field.
– Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, five-time world champion
Gukesh Grinds Out Grueling Draw
Meanwhile, world champion Dommaraju Gukesh found himself embroiled in a marathon tussle against Alexey Sarana. Playing with the black pieces, Gukesh was constantly on the back foot as Sarana maintained the upper hand for a significant portion of the six-hour, 70-move encounter. However, the 17-year-old exhibited remarkable resilience, finding precise defensive moves to steer the game towards a hard-earned draw, maintaining his unbeaten record since claiming the world title.
Other notable results from Round 4 included:
- Pentala Harikrishna climbing to 2.5/4 with a win over Max Warmerdam
- Arjun Erigaisi suffering a disappointing loss to Vladimir Fedoseev despite holding the advantage
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov squandering a winning position to draw against Wei Yi
The Stage is Set for an Indian Showdown
As the tournament reaches its halfway mark, all eyes are on the impending clash between the two Indian chess prodigies—Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh. With Praggnanandhaa leading the charge and Gukesh displaying his world champion mettle, the stage is set for a mouthwatering encounter that could potentially decide the fate of the prestigious Tata Steel Chess crown.
The rise of young Indian talent like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh is a testament to the depth and quality of chess in the country. Their performances at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament have captivated fans worldwide and herald a bright future for Indian chess.
– Jeroen van den Berg, Tournament Director
As the 2025 Tata Steel Chess Masters enters its crucial stages, chess enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the unfolding drama, with the spotlight firmly on the Indian chess revolution spearheaded by the likes of R Praggnanandhaa and Dommaraju Gukesh. Will Praggnanandhaa maintain his blistering form and clinch the prestigious title, or will Gukesh reassert his supremacy as the reigning world champion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—Indian chess is set to dominate the international stage for years to come.
