Kochi: Indian GM Nihal Sarin lost to Russian GM Dmitry Andreikin in the first game of his third-round tie at the Chess World Cup in Sochi, Russia on Sunday.
Playing white, the 17-year-old Kerala player adopted an aggressive approach against the 24th ranked player in the world. However, Nihal found himself coming second best in a bishop endgame that lasted 41 moves.
Nihal, who hadn't required the tie-breaker in the first two rounds, would be forcing one if he wins the second game of the third-round to be played on Monday.
Andreikin, however, can advance with a draw.
Meanwhile, three other Indians in the men's section of the World Cup had success in their first games.
Vidit Gujrathi defeated compatriot B Adhiban while Pentala Harikrishna won against Romanian GM Constantin Lupulescu and R Praggnanandhaa beat Polish GM Michal Krasenkow.
