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D Gukesh, the world champion, faced another setback at the FIDE Grand Swiss, losing to Nikolas Theodorou on Tuesday after a previous defeat. Theodorou, surprised by Gukesh's opening, capitalised on a missed threefold repetition claim by Gukesh. Despite Gukesh's ambition to win with the White pieces, Theodorou secured the victory in 47 moves.

Teen chess prodigy GM Divya Deshmukh, after a shaky start at the Grand Swiss, stunned Africa's top-rated GM Bassem Amin. Playing with black, Divya showcased resilience in the Sicilian Defence, capitalising on Amin's aggressive play. Despite a challenging opening, she seized the initiative, converting a rook sacrifice into a decisive advantage.

In the FIDE Grand Swiss, R Praggnanandhaa defeated Boris Gelfand after the latter blundered under time pressure. Parham Maghsoodloo leads the Open section with a perfect score, while R Vaishali holds the same distinction in the women's section. Several top games were hard-fought, with D Gukesh and Erigaisi Arjun securing notable victories.

The FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand will feature World Champion D Gukesh and Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, alongside a strong Indian contingent. Gukesh aims to maintain momentum, while Deshmukh seeks to test herself against top players. With Candidates spots and significant prize money at stake, the tournament promises intense competition and a showcase of India's chess talent.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky refuted Hikaru Nakamura's claims that the Candidates' rating qualification spot was designed for Magnus Carlsen's potential return. Sutovsky clarified that the rule has existed for years and now benefits top players like Nakamura. He emphasised the spot ensures the inclusion of the world's best, not specifically targeting Carlsen, whose return is deemed unlikely.

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup in 2025, marking its return to India after 23 years, reminiscent of the 2002 World Junior Championship where Levon Aronian emerged victorious. The event not only boosted Goa's tourism, particularly attracting Russian visitors, but also showcased the region's hospitality and organisational capabilities.

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup from October 30 to November 27, offering three Candidates Tournament spots and a $2 million prize pool. The event features chess giants like D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, and R Praggnanandhaa. India boasts a strong contingent of 21 players, including Viswanathan Anand, as the World Cup returns to India after 23 years.

Goa will host the FIDE World Cup 2025 from October 31 to November 27, featuring 206 players competing for a $2 million prize and 3 qualifying spots for 2026 Candidates Tournament. This eight-round knockout event marks a significant moment for Indian chess, following recent triumphs like D Gukesh's World Championship and team victories at the Chess Olympiad.

A grandmaster chess tournament in New Delhi highlights the traditional, silent atmosphere of the game, contrasting sharply with a recent event in Las Vegas where live audiences roared at every move. Players express concerns about distractions caused by spectators, questioning whether chess is truly ready for a live audience setting.