Grandmasters Narayanan SL and Diptayan Ghosh stormed into the second round of the FIDE World Cup 2025 with back-to-back wins in their rapid tie-breakers on Monday, while Aronyak Ghosh joined them with a dominant performance.
Narayanan defeated Peru’s IM Steven Rojas in 52 and 22 moves, while Diptayan overcame China’s Peng Xiongjian in 70 and 46 moves to set up a clash with Ian Nepomniachtchi. Aronyak, who upset Polish GM Mateusz Bartel, wrapped up his second match in 20 moves.
With six Indians already through, India is assured of at least one third-round berth as Karthik faces Aravindh next.