Updated on: Dec 02, 2025 06:04 am IST
The semifinal didn’t have anyone from the host country, which was actually ironic, considering the amount of money invested in some of India’s top GMs and also their fan following.
Arjun Erigaisi had the only consistent showing, advancing easily to the quarterfinals. However, he failed to find his footing in the quarters against Wei and lost the showdown, much to the disappointment of Indian fans.
What made it more disappointing for Indian fans is that Arjun needed to finish within the top three in Goa to qualify for the Candidates next year. Now he is going to miss the tournament and won’t be able to challenge Gukesh for the World C’ship title.
Meanwhile, for Gukesh, it was the usual, as he put in another boring show this year. It appears that the Indian GM has lost his momentum after becoming the youngest-ever world champion. Although he has beaten Magnus Carlsen this year, but his ranking has taken a huge hit, and he is the current World No. 10. R Praggnanandhaa also failed to perform in Goa. Despite his poor display, Praggnanandhaa is closing in on bagging the final Candidates berth through the FIDE Circuit.
Among the Indians, V Pranav looked the best as the World Junior Champion reached the fourth round. Meanwhile, even Diptayan Ghosh’s second-round win against Ian Nepomniachtchi was epic and will be remembered for ages, especially due to the Russian GM’s meltdown after the defeat.
