Harikrishna vs Nesterov • FIDE World Cup 2025 • Goa, India (2025) • Petrov Defense (C43)
Francisco Yepes Barrera
1 min read
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The game between Pentala Harikrishna and Arseniy Nesterov was played in Round 2 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 in Goa, India.
Harikrishna, rated 2697, faced Nesterov, rated 2584, in a sharp and tactical battle. According to the official PGN, the opening was the Petrov Defense, specifically the C43 variation. The game was ultimately decided in White’s favor, with Harikrishna converting a material advantage into victory.
The game opened with the Petrov Defense (C43): 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 Nxe4. White immediately challenged the center with 4.dxe5, leading to early tactical complications. After 5.Qd5 Bxf2+ 6.Ke2, the game entered sharp lines with both kings moving early.
White regained material with 8.Nxe4 cxd5 9.Nd6+ Kf8 10.Kxf2, while Black continued development with 10…Nc6 11.Be3 d4 12.Bf4 Qb6. Both sides maneuvered their pieces actively, with White centralizing rooks and bishops (13.Bd3 Ne7 14.Bd2 Nd5 15.Bxf5 Ne3 16.Bd3 Ke7 17.Rhe1 Rf8 18.Rxe3) and preparing tactical threats.
A decisive moment arose after 19.Bxe3 Rxf3+ 20.Kxf3 Qxb2 21.Bg5+ Ke6 22.Re1 b5 23.Bf5+ Kd5 24.Be4+ Ke6 25.Bxa8 Qc3+ 26.Re3 Qxc2, when White gained a clear material advantage. White continued to coordinate pieces and push pawns (27.Be4 Qd1+ 28.Kg3 Qh5 29.h4), leaving Black with no compensation.
