Praggnanandhaa confident for possible playoffs at Sinquefield Cup, but Gukesh could lend a helping hand: 'This year playoffs...'

R Praggnanandhaa put up a brave face as the possibility of a playoff on the final day of the Sinquefield Cup 2025 looms large amid his mission to qualify for the Grand Chess Tour Finals 2025. While world champion D Gukesh of India has been struggling with form and in his search for wins at the Saint Louis Club tournament, Praggnanandhaa has dominated the proceedings, currently jointly leading the standings with Fabiano Caruana after eight rounds of Classical matches.

On Tuesday, Praggnanandhaa played out a draw with Wesley So, who had defeated Gukesh in the seventh round. The 20-year-old Praggnanandhaa now has five points with his final match against Levon Aronian. World No.3 Caruana drew against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in Round 8 and faces Gukesh in the final match.

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Aronian is joint-second with 4.5 points alongside Wesley, while Maxime, Sam Sevian and Jan-Krzysztof Duda are joint-third with 4 points each. Gukesh is fourth with 3.5 points. Alireza Firouzja has 3 points, while Nodirbek Abdusattorov is at the bottom (2.5).

World No.4 Praggnanandhaa and Caruana are the favourites to win the Sinquefield Cup 2025 if they can maintain their lead even after Round 9; however, there's a strong possibility that they may have to face off against each other in the playoffs.

Gukesh can help Praggnanandhaa win Sinquefield Cup 2025

Praggnanandhaa sounded extremely confident when he was asked about the possibility of a playoff. He has been doing well in the playoffs and tie-breakers this year, winning the Tata Steel Chess Masters, Superbet Chess Classic and UzChess Cup Masters in the playoffs.

"This year, the playoffs have been good for me," Praggnanandhaa told Grand Chess Tour on the possibility of a tie-breaker on Wednesday. "There are two Classical games, mine and Fabi, so you never know."

The Indian chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa will also hope for some support from fellow Chennai Grandmaster Gukesh, who can spoil the party for Caruana by winning his final round match.

A victory in the Sinquefield Cup 2025 could also help Praggnanandhaa qualify directly for the Grand Chess Tour Finals 2025.