In a stunning upset at the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Panaji, Goa, Indian Grandmaster Diptayan Ghosh eliminated two-time Candidates winner Ian Nepomniachtchi, marking the biggest win of his chess career. The 27-year-old from Kolkata, seeded 117th in the tournament, defeated the 12th-seeded Russian player, who is also the reigning world blitz champion.
Ghosh's victory came in the second round after he drew the first game with white pieces and then won the second game playing with black. He capitalized on a slight error from Nepomniachtchi in the opening exchanges, converting it into a decisive advantage in 47 moves.
"Defeating Nepo in a match is a big thing. So, it's definitely a big day. It will take some time to sink in (the win)," said Diptayan, who is playing in his very first World Cup. He added, "Defeating Nepo in a World Cup match is special," reflecting on how the performance would significantly elevate his standing on the international circuit.
Playing with black, Ghosh was guided into the "Morphy Defense" of the Ruy Lopez game by Nepomniachtchi. On the 18th move, Ghosh sacrificed his dark-squared bishop to gain a tempo and remove White's knight on d2. By the endgame, Ghosh had a significant advantage, which he converted smoothly with precise exchanges, leading Nepomniachtchi to resign on the 46th move.
Ghosh's journey to this victory was not without its challenges. After earning his Grandmaster title at 17, he briefly stepped away from chess to pursue a corporate career, earning a master's degree in economics and working at a private bank in Mumbai. However, his passion for chess drew him back to the board. Part of his preparations for the World Cup included training games with fellow GMs Surya Shekhar Ganguly and IM Aronyak Ghosh.
Ghosh's win was a standout result for India, highlighting the country's growing strength in chess. Along with Ghosh, other Indian players including world champion Gukesh D and the highest-ranked Indian Arjun Erigaisi advanced to the third round. Veteran P. Harikrishna also progressed, defeating Arseniy Nesterov.
The FIDE World Cup 2025, renamed the Viswanathan Anand Cup, is a single-elimination knockout tournament featuring 206 players from 82 countries.
