Overview
- Nodirbek Abdusattorov ground down R Praggnanandhaa to join Hans Niemann and Arjun Erigaisi on 1.5/2, as Vladimir Fedoseev rebounded by defeating Vincent Keymer.
- Niemann drew with Matthias Bluebaum and Erigaisi split the point with Thai Dai Van Nguyen, leaving D Gukesh among a large group on 1/2 and Praggnanandhaa on 0/2.
- Round 1 featured decisive results as Niemann beat Vladimir Fedoseev in 16 moves, Keymer capitalized on an Anish Giri blunder, and Erigaisi defeated Praggnanandhaa, while Javokhir Sindarov saved a 78-move draw against Gukesh.
- Play began 1.5–2 hours late after an Extinction Rebellion demonstration blocked access to the Wijk aan Zee venue.
- In the Challengers, 15-year-old Lu Miaoyi leads on a perfect 2/2, with notable results including wins by Bibisara Assaubayeva, Carissa Yip and Faustino Oro across the first two rounds.