Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi Level at Two Points After Day Two at Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot

India’s Duo Remain in Touch After Strong Day Two

R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi each earned two points from their opening two games on day two of the Total Chess World Championship Tour Pilot fast classical event here on Wednesday, maintaining respectably in their respective groups.

Praggnanandhaa was held to two draws by Germany’s Vincent Keymer in Group B, while Erigaisi played out both encounters against American Hans Niemann in Group D.

Vaishali Struggles Early in Group D

The third Indian representative, R Vaishali, endured a tougher afternoon after falling in her opening game to French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave due to a late mistake before recovering with a draw in the return match.

The 25-year-old, who is set to challenge Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship title next year, sits last in Group D with one point from two games.

Group Standings Update

Several leaders have emerged after round two across the four groups:

• Group A: Alireza Firouzja and Jan-Krzysztof Duda share the lead on four points each. Firouzja beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the first game before drawing the second, while Duda drew Andrew Hong then defeated him with White.
• Group B: Fabiano Caruana and Liem Le top the table with four points apiece. Caruana opened with a win over local favourite Richard Rapport using Black and drew the reverse game. Le also reached four after drawing Vladislav Artemiev and then winning the rematch.
• Group C: Ian Nepomniachtchi stands alone at the summit with four points, having defeated Abhimanyu Mishra before drawing the return. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen shares third on two points alongside Anish Giri after two consecutive draws.
• Group D: Four players remain tied for second — Erigaisi, Wesley So, and Bibisara Assaubayeva all on two points behind leader Vachier-Lagrave.

Format Details

Each fast classical game gives players 45 minutes on the clock with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one.

Source

This report is based on information published by The Bridge — Chess.

Official source: https://thebridge.in/chess/praggnanandhaa-erigaisi-total-fast-classical-58342