Freestyle Chess Paris: Arjun Erigaisi Shines as Only Indian to Reach Quarterfinals After Gukesh’s Stunning Upset

Day 2 of the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Paris wrapped up with exciting results. Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shone brightly, both clinching the top spot with 8.5 points each after the 11 rounds of the preliminary stage. Unfortunately, Indian star D Gukesh didn’t have the tournament he hoped for and finished 11th, with only 3.5 points.

Arjun Erigaisi stood out as the only Indian player moving on to the knockout stage, finishing with a solid 6.5 points. In his last match, he beat Vidit Gujrathi, securing his entry into the final eight. On the other hand, Gukesh’s loss to Nepomniachtchi marked an early exit, disappointing for the young talent who had just won the World Championship.

The round-robin rounds were filled with drama. R Praggnanandhaa pulled off an upset against Nodirbek Abdusattorov, but it wasn’t enough to keep him in the tournament. Hikaru Nakamura kept his journey alive with a win over Richard Rapport. Meanwhile, Vincent Keymer, the first leg winner, defeated Fabiano Caruana, and Carlsen had a draw with local favorite Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

The quarterfinal matches will unfold on April 9 and 10. Each round will follow a knockout format, with players competing in two classical games per match, switching colors.

The competition reflects a growing interest in chess worldwide, particularly among younger players. A recent survey by Chess.com found that global membership has surged over the past few years, with online and in-person play thriving since the pandemic. Chess has become more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, drawing attention from various age groups and backgrounds.

As the tournament progresses, fans are likely to turn to social media for discussions, predictions, and reactions to each match. It’s fascinating to see how chess not only tests intellect but now also captures the imagination of millions.

For more about the standings and future matches, check out official tournament pages or trusted sports news outlets.

Check out this related article: Exciting News! Explore the New Vande Bharat Train and Discover 4 Special Trains to Katra – Complete Route, Stops, and Timetable Inside!

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