R Praggnanandhaa Shines in Round 3 of Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025

In a thrilling third round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025, R Praggnanandhaa emerged as the standout player of the day, showcasing his exceptional skills on the chessboard. Facing off against India’s top-ranked player, Arjun Erigaisi, Pragg displayed aggressive play and strategic moves that ultimately led to his victory.

The match took an intense turn when Arjun made a critical decision to capture Pragg’s queen early on in the game. Despite Arjun’s efforts to hold his ground, a couple of missteps proved costly, ultimately leading to his resignation by the 60th move. Pragg’s win solidified his position at the top of the leaderboard with an impressive score of 2.5/3.

Meanwhile, another Indian player, Leon Luke Mendonca, made a strong comeback after facing two consecutive defeats in the opening rounds. Battling illness, Leon put up a valiant fight against veteran player Pentala Harikrishna, ultimately securing a draw in a hard-fought match.

In other games, D Gukesh opted for a quick draw against World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana, showcasing a more cautious approach compared to his previous games. The draw reflected Gukesh’s strategic decision-making and possibly his need to conserve energy amidst a hectic schedule.

Overall, the third round of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament delivered excitement and surprises, with players showcasing their skills and resilience on the chessboard. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more intense battles and strategic maneuvers from the talented lineup of players.