Arjun Erigaisi's hopeful start turned into a 0-1 defeat as Thailand’s 2363‑rated IM Prin Laohawirapap broke through in the late endgame.
Despite carving out a winning position in the middle game, Arjun misjudged the final rook and pawn endgame, allowing Prin to convert the advantage.
The loss wasn't just about chess; it was also the aftermath of a chaotic arrival, with players waiting six hours for a room before the match. Gukesh, who led the team as world champion, said, "Arjun got a room probably a few hours before he went," highlighting the fatigue that seeped into the board.
Gukesh added that the team now feels rested and that board selection was made to maximise India’s chances. He stressed, "We chose the order that gives us the best chance of winning the tournament," underscoring the collective focus.
India still remains unbeaten on the rest of the board but must now regroup before the next match against Spain. The women's squad heads to Mongolia for Round 4, while the open section awaits the Spanish encounter.