Sinquefield Cup 2025: Caruana Beats Firouzja, Gukesh & Praggnanandhaa Held to Draws

St. Louis, Aug 21 – Round 3 of the Sinquefield Cup 2025 saw a day of tight battles, with only one decisive result: Fabiano Caruana outclassed Alireza Firouzja to join the lead alongside R Praggnanandhaa and Levon Aronian.

Gukesh steady against Sevian

World champion D Gukesh recorded his first draw of the tournament, comfortably holding American wild card Samuel Sevian with the black pieces. Sevian opted for the Rossolimo Variation against Gukesh’s Sicilian, but the Indian never looked troubled. With exchanges simplifying the middlegame, the players reached an equal endgame and split the point.

Praggnanandhaa shares lead with Aronian, Caruana

Playing his first black of the event, Praggnanandhaa chose the Nimzo-Indian Defence against Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The Uzbek, still searching for form, couldn’t find a breakthrough. The game simplified into an opposite-coloured bishop ending, where neither side had winning chances. The draw keeps Pragg in the joint lead with 2 points after three rounds.

Caruana shines against Firouzja

The highlight of the day came from Fabiano Caruana, who outplayed Firouzja in a fine positional battle. Using the Fianchetto Variation against the Nimzo, Caruana gained a lasting space advantage. His precise buildup culminated in a central pawn reaching the 7th rank, forcing Firouzja’s resignation.

Caruana’s victory puts him in the top spot alongside Aronian and Praggnanandhaa, with all three sitting on 2 points each.