FIDE World Cup 2025 Goa – Round 2 Tiebreaks: Lodici Shocks Niemann, Svane Survives Armageddon

Goa witnessed another dramatic day at the FIDE World Cup 2025 as the second-round tiebreaks decided who would move into the final 64. It was a day of nerves, surprises, and pure fighting spirit the kind of day this knockout format is famous for.

Lodici Stuns Niemann

The biggest headline came from Italian GM Lorenzo Lodici, who eliminated American GM Hans Niemann in one of the most intense matches of the event so far.

After two draws in the classical games, Lodici took control in the 15+10 rapid section. Niemann pushed too hard in a complicated endgame, and a single mistake, 72…Rg1 instead of the correct 72.Rg2, cost him everything. Lodici found the brilliant 74.Be3! and forced resignation soon after.

It felt like my day, Lodici said after the game. I could sense he was under pressure, and I just tried to keep calm.

It was the first major upset of Round 2 and sent the 10th seed, Niemann, home earlier than anyone expected.

Svane Wins Marathon Armageddon

If Lodici’s win was the upset of the day, Rasmus Svane’s victory over Rauf Mamedov was the day’s emotional rollercoaster.

The two traded wins throughout their rapid and blitz tiebreaks, neither able to pull away. Finally, after nine games, they reached the first Armageddon of the tournament.

Mamedov bid 3:00 minutes on the clock, and Svane bid 3:13 and earned the white pieces. It proved to be the right call Svane slowly converted an endgame after Mamedov’s 31...Ra4? Blunder.

I thought I messed it up several times, Svane admitted afterward. It was completely crazy; every white game was won. I’m just relieved it’s over.

He now faces GM Awonder Liang in Round 3.

Vidit Ends Oro’s Dream Run

12-year-old IM Faustino Oro from Argentina, the youngest player in World Cup history, finally saw his run end against Indian GM Vidit Gujrathi.

Vidit drew the first tiebreak game and won the second, converting a queenside pawn majority with patient endgame play. Oro defended stubbornly throughout the match, but Vidit’s experience and composure showed when it mattered most.

I think the first classical game was his best chance, Vidit said. I wasn’t warmed up yet, but once I settled in, things went my way.

Despite the loss, Oro’s performance won him admiration from fans worldwide.

Vidit advances to face GM Sam Shankland in Round 3.

Praggnanandhaa Survives a Scare

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu had one of the most dramatic matches of the day against Temur Kuybokarov.

At one point, Pragg was nearly eliminated after a risky sacrifice went wrong. Somehow, he escaped with a draw and then came back to win the next two games. In the final blitz stage, both players were down to seconds, but Pragg kept his cool and advanced 5–3.

He now faces GM Robert Hovhannisyan in Round 3.

Other Highlights from the Day

• Nodirbek Abdusattorov beat Denis Makhnev after losing control early but recovering in time to clinch the match 2.5–1.5.
• Shakhriyar Mamedyarov advanced after defeating Gergely Kantor, keeping his hopes alive for a deep run.
• S.L. Narayanan won both 5+3 blitz games to eliminate Nikita Vitiugov, a strong performance under pressure.
• Daniil Dubov showed trademark creativity to beat Bai Jinshi, using a neat tactic with 13.Bh4! that won a pawn and the game.
• Nils Grandelius completed a big comeback, winning his second classical and both rapid games after losing the opener.
• Greek GM Stamatis Kourkoulos-Arditis defeated Nihal Sarin, marking another upset of the day.

By the end of the marathon session, 27 players were out, and 64 remained.

Armageddon Format Explained

The new bidding system added extra tension. Each player secretly bids how much time they’re willing to play with as Black (who only needs a draw to advance). The player with the lower bid gets Black; if bids match, time is reduced by 1 second per move.

Svane’s bid of 3:13 earned him White and eventually the win. Fans loved it; players feared it.

What’s Next

With only 64 players left, the competition now enters the Round of 32 matchups.
Game 1 of Round 3 begins on November 7 at 3 PM IST in Goa.

Top names like Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Wei Yi, Vidit, and Abdusattorov will now face stronger opposition as every round becomes a survival test.

The race for the three candidates' spots is heating up and the beaches of Goa have never seen such tense chess.

Previous ArticleFIDE World Cup 2025 Round 2 Game 2: Harikrishna’s Brilliant Queen Sacrifice Shocks Goa Next ArticleFIDE World Cup 2025 Goa – Round 3, Game 1: Martinez Stuns Abdusattorov, Harikrishna and Arjun Impress