New Delhi: Grandmaster Nihal Sarin has officially qualified for the playoffs of the EWC 2025 Chess Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) with a stellar performance, representing Team S8UL. With a final score of 5.5 out of 7, Nihal delivered a statement of intent, reaffirming his position among the brightest stars in Indian and global chess.
The LCQ, a high-stakes event in the Road to EWC circuit, featured top international talent competing for the last few coveted spots in the EWC playoffs. Nihal began his campaign with a blistering start, notching up four straight victories against Tamim, M. Elhendy, Aleksandar Indjic, and Oleksandr Bortnyk, each by a commanding 1-0 margin. His clinical precision and calm presence over the board quickly set him apart from the rest of the field.
“Momentum builds with every win. You just focus on the next move and block the noise,” Nihal had said ahead of the event, and he lived up to those words.
In Round 5, he faced a stiff challenge against fellow top performer GM Nodirbek Yakubboev, settling for a well-fought draw in a clash of equals that left both players on 4.5/5. Nihal bounced back in Round 6 with a brilliant tactical win against GM Ahmed Adly, exploiting kingside weaknesses with razor-sharp calculation to secure his fifth victory of the tournament.
Despite a loss to Andrey in the final round, Nihal’s earlier dominance ensured his qualification, finishing with 5.5 points and comfortably sealing his place in the EWC 2025 Playoffs.
Key Results:
- Nihal 1 – 0 Tamim
- Nihal 1 – 0 M. Elhendy
- Nihal 1 – 0 Aleksandar Indjic
- Nihal 1 – 0 Oleksandr Bortnyk
- Nihal 0.5 – 0.5 Nodirbek
- Nihal 1 – 0 Ahmed Adly
- Nihal 0 – 1 Andrey
Tournament Impact:
Nihal’s performance wasn’t just about numbers—it was about nerve, preparation, and maturity. His game against GM Daniel Dardha in Round 6 (not shown in the match card but noted in tournament reports) was particularly notable for a stunning kingside attack initiated after 19.g4, showcasing his deep tactical foresight and endgame control.
With the playoffs now on the horizon, Nihal Sarin is set to face an even tougher field of elite grandmasters. But if his LCQ performance is any indication, Team S8UL’s chess prodigy is peaking at just the right time.
