4th President Cup Masters 2025 R1: Nihal Sarin makes a winning start
05/12/2025 - The defending champion, GM Nihal Sarin started his defense with a win against GM Frederik Svane (GER) at 4th International President Cup 2025 Masters. Facing the Germany no.4, Nihal made his intentions clear in the middlegame. He went for an attack on the kingside and his opponent on the other flank. The pieces were traded and the German arrived at an unfavorable rook and minor piece endgame. After an incorrect pawn trade offer, the position liquidated into a rook and double knight where Nihal used his pieces beautifully to win the game. The Masters has an average rating of 2625 with an average age of 26. The total prize fund of the tournament was US$ 80000, an increase of $5000 from previous edition. The top three prizes are US$ 8000, $6000 and $5000 each. Photo: Alimurod / Uzbekistan Chess Federation