NEW DELHI: The Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 continues to captivate audiences as Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious in the third round, earning a crucial win over India's No. 1, Arjun Erigaisi. Praggnanandhaa's triumph saw him seize the top spot in the tournament with a score of 2.5/3, solidifying his position after a gripping encounter where Arjun made critical miscalculations, ultimately leading to his resignation.

During the closely contested match, Arjun's decision to capture Praggnanandhaa's queen early on set the stage for an exciting battle. However, a crucial mistake on the 51st move, followed by another blunder on the 56th, left him unable to continue, marking a harsh turn in an otherwise intense game. Praggnanandhaa's consecutive victories have established him as the player to watch in this esteemed competition, often referred to as the "Wimbledon of Chess" Source.

Meanwhile, D Gukesh took a notably conservative approach in his matchup against World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana, settling for a draw. Gukesh's cautious play throughout the game culminated in a threefold repetition, representing his first draw since becoming the world chess champion. This decision may reflect his strategy to conserve energy following a busy schedule, including recent accolades such as the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and a flurry of appearances in chess events. Gukesh’s draw against Caruana signals a strategic shift after his earlier, more aggressive chess style during the World Championships Source.

In other notable games, Leon Luke Mendonca made a remarkable comeback after facing two defeats, managing to draw his game against veteran Pentala Harikrishna. This draw served as a confidence booster for Mendonca, who had been struggling with health issues. The day's action was further characterized by several draws throughout the Masters section, highlighting the competitive nature of this year's tournament.

The standings are indicative of an intense battle amongst competitors, with Praggnanandhaa leading the Masters section, followed closely by Gukesh and Caruana, both at two points. The Challengers section remains equally thrilling, featuring a mix of established players and promising juniors.

With numerous matches still to come in the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, both aspiring players and seasoned veterans are set for an intriguing contest ahead, promising chess lovers thrilling games Source.