Shocks and Surprises: Indian Chess Stars Face Setbacks in FIDE Grand Swiss Round 5

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 continued its thrilling trajectory with Round 5 delivering a mix of drama, unexpected outcomes, and fierce competition. For Indian chess enthusiasts, the day brought a significant dose of disappointment as some of the nation's brightest young stars faced tough losses against formidable opponents.

In a surprising turn of events, the prodigious R.

Praggnanandhaa found himself on the losing end, succumbing to a brilliant performance from Erwin L'Ami of the Netherlands. This setback marked a crucial moment in the tournament for the young Indian Grandmaster, who will now be looking to bounce back with renewed vigor in the subsequent rounds. Similarly, D.

Gukesh, another highly-touted Indian talent, also experienced a defeat, falling to France's Marc'Andria Maurizzi. These losses underscore the incredibly high stakes and the unforgiving nature of a tournament like the Grand Swiss, where every game is a battle of wits and strategy.

The challenges weren't confined to the Open section.

In the Women's Grand Swiss, Vaishali R., an exciting prospect for India, faced a difficult match against Gunay Mammadzada from Azerbaijan and ultimately had to concede defeat. These individual losses, while disheartening, serve as valuable learning experiences for these young players, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of their game on the global stage.

However, it wasn't all gloom for the Indian contingent.

Several other players showcased their resilience and skill, contributing to a mixed bag of results. In the Open section, Grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, and S.L. Narayanan managed to secure draws, maintaining their positions in a tightly contested field. While Nihal Sarin, Aryan Chopra, and Aravindh Chithambaram also faced losses, there were bright spots with Raunak Sadhwani and Abhimanyu Puranik registering important wins, demonstrating the depth of talent within Indian chess.

The Women's section also saw some commendable performances.

Divya Deshmukh delivered a strong performance, clinching a crucial win. Vantika Agrawal, Mary Ann Gomes, and Padmini Rout fought hard to secure draws, keeping their hopes alive in the demanding tournament. Unfortunately, Savitha Shri B. was unable to convert her game into a favorable result, adding to the day's challenges.

As the FIDE Grand Swiss progresses, the intensity is only set to increase.

These early rounds are crucial for setting the tone and positioning players for a run at the coveted Candidates spots. While Round 5 brought its share of heartbreaks for some of India's top players, the spirit of competition and the determination to succeed remain strong. Chess fans eagerly await the next rounds, anticipating more thrilling encounters and dramatic twists as the battle for glory continues.