UAE’s Salem Abdulrahman Defeats Mishra to Enter World Cup Round of 64

Post by : Mina Rahman

UAE Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman produced a critical win at the 2025 FIDE World Cup in Goa, outplaying American prodigy Abhimanyu Mishra while playing with the black pieces. The victory confirmed Abdulrahman’s progression into the Round of 64 at the high-profile event.

Staged in Goa, the World Cup has assembled more than 200 elite competitors from around the globe, competing for a prize pool in excess of US$2 million. Abdulrahman’s strategic play and endgame accuracy proved decisive against Mishra, who remains notable as the youngest Grandmaster in history.

The knockout-format tournament began earlier this month and continues through November 27, subjecting participants to successive high-pressure matches that demand both planning and endurance. Abdulrahman’s advance strengthens the UAE’s international chess standing and underlines his emergence on the world stage.

As the field narrows, observers and commentators will monitor Abdulrahman’s next matches closely to assess how far he can progress in the remaining knockout rounds.