Indian chess star R Praggnanandhaa continues to show composure as the Sinquefield Cup 2025 heads into its final day in St. Louis. The 20-year-old remains focused on securing a place in the Grand Chess Tour Finals 2025, even as the possibility of a playoff grows stronger.

On Tuesday, Praggnanandhaa drew his Round 8 game against Wesley So, who had earlier beaten reigning world champion D Gukesh. With this result, Praggnanandhaa now stands on five points, leaving him tied at the top with World No.3 Fabiano Caruana.

Caruana Stays Level with Indian Star

Fabiano Caruana, one of the tournament’s most consistent performers, also drew his Round 8 clash against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. With both he and Praggnanandhaa locked on five points, their fate in the tournament may be decided by a playoff if they remain tied after the final round.

Caruana’s last-round opponent will be D Gukesh, while Praggnanandhaa faces the experienced Levon Aronian.

Aronian and So Remain Close Behind

Levon Aronian and Wesley So are right behind the leaders with 4.5 points each. Both remain in striking distance if results go in their favor. Meanwhile, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Sam Sevian, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda follow with 4 points apiece, keeping the mid-table tightly packed.

World champion Gukesh, who has struggled for consistency in this tournament, sits further down with 3.5 points. Alireza Firouzja is at 3 points, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov remains at the bottom with 2.5 points.

Playoff Looms as Likely Decider

With only one round left, Praggnanandhaa and Caruana are the clear frontrunners to win the Sinquefield Cup 2025. However, if both finish level after Round 9, fans may witness a tense playoff to determine the winner.

As things stand, World No.4 Praggnanandhaa has proven his dominance in the classical format, and his battle with Caruana could shape one of the most thrilling finishes of the Grand Chess Tour season.