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In the FIDE Grand Swiss, Nihal Sarin's Candidates hopes dimmed after losing to Alireza Firouzja, while Arjun Erigaisi boosted Indian hopes with a win. Alireza joined the lead pack, and Praggnanandhaa eyes Candidates qualification through tournament scores. Vaishali remains in contention in the women's section, trailing leader Kateryna Lagno by half a point.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky refuted Hikaru Nakamura's claims that the Candidates' rating qualification spot was designed for Magnus Carlsen's potential return. Sutovsky clarified that the rule has existed for years and now benefits top players like Nakamura. He emphasised the spot ensures the inclusion of the world's best, not specifically targeting Carlsen, whose return is deemed unlikely.