An in-form Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is proving to be one of the most dangerous players in Classical chess right now. Having already secured major titles in 2025, including the Tata Steel Masters, the Superbet Chess Classic, and the Uzchess Cup, the Indian No.1 continues his blistering run at the ongoing Sinquefield Cup in Saint Louis. On Monday, he produced another commanding display, taking down defending champion Alireza Firouzja in the seventh round. With this victory, Praggnanandhaa joins lead in the tournament, sharing the top spot with American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana.
Praggnanandhaa’s Impressive 2025 Form
This year has been nothing short of spectacular for the young Indian prodigy. Each event he has played has added another layer to his growing reputation as the world’s rising Classical chess star. His consistent performances have not only boosted his world ranking but also brought him into serious contention for the 2025 Grand Chess Tour (GCT) finals.
The fact that Praggnanandhaa joins lead in the Sinquefield Cup after beating Firouzja underlines his ability to thrive under pressure. The win was more than just a point on the scoreboard; it marked a psychological edge in the battle for GCT qualification, where both Praggnanandhaa and Firouzja were closely competing for the final spots.
The Battle Against Firouzja
The seventh-round encounter had all the makings of a classic. Playing with the black pieces, Praggnanandhaa opted for the Rossolimo Sicilian, a solid yet sharp system that often tests an opponent’s preparation. Both players quickly entered into a tense middle-game struggle, with their clocks running down rapidly. After the 20th move, both Firouzja and Praggnanandhaa had less than 18 minutes left, leaving them with under a minute per move until time control.
However, rather than dragging the battle into deep time trouble, the Indian star accelerated. He dismantled Firouzja’s position with remarkable precision, leaving the French-Iranian grandmaster helpless. In just 31 moves, the defending champion conceded defeat after realizing he could not prevent checkmate. It was a clean, dominant performance that ensured Praggnanandhaa joins lead in the standings and stamped his authority on the event.
Speaking after the victory, Praggnanandhaa admitted the win carried weight not only for the Sinquefield Cup standings but also for the Grand Chess Tour:
“This (win) was important for sure, especially considering this tournament as well as for Brazil. We were the two players (fighting closely) for fourth spot,” he told broadcasters.
His calm demeanor belied the magnitude of his performance. For Praggnanandhaa, this victory was not just about one game—it was about momentum, confidence, and staking his claim among the world’s elite.
Praggnanandhaa Joins Lead in GCT Finals Race
The importance of this win extends beyond Saint Louis. With two rounds left, Praggnanandhaa joins lead not only in the Sinquefield Cup but also strengthens his grip on qualification for the Grand Chess Tour finals. Beating a direct competitor like Firouzja essentially gives him a double advantage—points on the board and a boost in the head-to-head race.
For Indian chess, this is another proud moment. The country has witnessed a surge of world-class talent, with players like D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi making waves. Yet at this event, Praggnanandhaa joins lead, signaling his role as the frontrunner of this new generation.
Gukesh Slips After Wesley So Victory
While Praggnanandhaa climbs to the top, it was a tough round for World Champion D. Gukesh. Facing American grandmaster Wesley So, the 18-year-old from Chennai was outplayed in 38 moves. So, who had drawn his first six games, finally broke through with a victory, earning four points and moving into joint second place alongside compatriot Levon Aronian.
So spoke highly of Gukesh, acknowledging the challenge:
“He calculates like a computer. He’s very young, very strong. It’s always an honour to play him.”
Unfortunately, Gukesh’s loss pushed him down to ninth place with three points. His hopes of making the GCT finals have dimmed considerably, as he now sits 1.5 points behind the leaders with only two rounds left. To qualify, he would have needed to win the event outright, but with this defeat, those chances are all but gone. Moreover, the loss saw him slip to World No.6 in the live rankings, trailing behind compatriots Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi.
While Gukesh has had a breakthrough year, this event has shown the immense difficulty of maintaining consistency at the highest level. In stark contrast, Praggnanandhaa joins lead, showcasing his ability to deliver at critical moments.
Abdusattorov’s Struggles Continue
For Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan, the Sinquefield Cup has turned into a nightmare. Once ranked World No.7, the 20-year-old has now lost four games, including his seventh-round defeat to Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda. That loss cost him another chunk of rating points, bringing his Elo drop to 22.4 points in just seven rounds, pushing him out of the top 10 in live ratings.
In contrast to Abdusattorov’s downward spiral, Praggnanandhaa joins lead, highlighting the razor-thin margins at this level of chess. One player surges forward with confidence, while another struggles to find footing despite immense talent.
The Road Ahead
With only two rounds remaining, the Sinquefield Cup 2025 is reaching its climax. Praggnanandhaa joins lead alongside Fabiano Caruana, but the competition remains fierce. Wesley So, Levon Aronian, and other contenders are lurking close behind. Every game from here will be decisive, and a single slip could swing the standings dramatically.
For Praggnanandhaa, the immediate focus will be maintaining composure. His preparation, opening repertoire, and ability to stay sharp in time pressure will be crucial. If he can sustain this level, he not only has a strong chance of winning the Sinquefield Cup but also cementing his place in the Grand Chess Tour finals—a landmark achievement in his already impressive career.
Conclusion
The Sinquefield Cup 2025 has once again proven to be one of the most gripping events in world chess. Amidst the drama of Gukesh’s slip and Abdusattorov’s struggles, the brightest spotlight falls on India’s prodigy. With his victory over Alireza Firouzja, Praggnanandhaa joins lead, sending a powerful message to the chess world: he is ready to take on anyone, anywhere.
From winning top-tier events earlier this year to now standing tall at Saint Louis, Praggnanandhaa’s journey is a testament to discipline, resilience, and an unyielding desire to reach the summit of world chess. As the final rounds unfold, all eyes will remain on him, the player who has redefined India’s place in global chess.