GM Praggnanandhaa secured an important win with white pieces over India’s no.1 Arjun Erigaisi in round three of the Tata Steel Chess 2025, on Monday. With this win, Praggnanandhaa moves to the top of the points table with 2.5 points, level with Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who scored the only other win in round three. Meanwhile, World champion Gukesh D drew his match against GM Fabio Caruana, whilst Leon Mendonca’s match against Pentala Harikrishna also ended in a draw. Positional excellence from Pragg Playing with white pieces, Praggnandhaa and Arjun exchanged queens as early as move seven, which for Pragg seemed to be a bit ‘shocking.’ “Arjun is known for his trying to play fighting chess and also more complex positions. This (queen exchange) is the only line I didn’t look at today because I didn’t think he would go for it,” remarked Pragg after the match. Arjun did manage to hold down his defense against Pragg’s attack but a blunder in move 56 meant victory was certain for Praggnanandhaa, prompting Arjun to resign in move 60. …