New Delhi, Aug. 1 -- Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin has reached the Chess playoffs at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh. After losing 0-2 to Arjun Erigaisi on Day 1, he bounced back with a 2-0 win over Anish Giri.

Sarin, who represents S8UL Esports, then defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave 1.5-0.5 to qualify from Group B. At EWC 2025, Nihal then faced five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in the quarter-finals on July 31.

The match drew attention for its tension and high-level play. In the first rapid game, Nihal managed a draw despite having only 20 seconds left. However, Carlsen later won the match 2.5-0.5 by taking the next games.

One key moment came when Carlsen offered a draw in the second game, but Nihal refused. Carlsen smiled ...