Praggnanandhaa created history…!!!!
He became only 2nd Indian to reach the final of the FIDE World Cup and will face World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the final
Amid the FIDE World Cup arena, all eyes were fixed on a single chessboard. A thrilling semifinal match in the men’s event was underway on Monday, the last remaining match to be played.
The competitors, both in white shirts, were intensely focused on gaining an advantage over each other. While one player appeared younger, it was nearly impossible to determine who the favourite was.
Kiren Rijiju – Minister of Earth Science congratulates
Victory!
Ultimately, the 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Pragg, emerged victorious against his 31-year-old opponent, Fabiano Caruana, the World No. 3. This victory marked a significant achievement, as he became the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2002 to reach the final of the FIDE World Cup.
By securing this triumph, Pragg secured his place in the 2024 Candidates Tournament. The winner of this tournament would earn the opportunity to challenge the reigning world champion, Ding Liren.
After a series of two classical games in the semifinal, which ended in a 1-1 tie, the match was decided through tiebreakers on Monday.
While the first two rapid games concluded in draws, the young prodigy managed to outmanoeuvre the American Grandmaster in the third game, placing him one step closer to the final. An appeal in the following game would secure his position in the title clash. Though he approached the match with caution, he managed to hold on and secure the draw, confirming his place in the final against the five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen.
Praggnanandhaa says –
Reflecting on his victory, Pragg shared, “My defensive skills were crucial in this match. I was on the defensive in the first two classical games. In the third game, I was nearly lost but managed to navigate through time pressure. Despite some challenges in the final game, I held my ground.”
Interview with ChessBase India
Praggnanandhaa’s journey in the tournament has been remarkable. Initially, he aimed to defeat World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, seeing it as his main obstacle. Overcoming Nakamura in tiebreakers, he triumphed over his close friend and compatriot Arjun Erigaisi in a tense quarterfinal match.
Advancing to the semifinals guaranteed him a spot in the Candidates Tournament, contingent upon Carlsen’s absence. His victory in the semifinal solidified his place.
Looking ahead, Pragg faces his greatest challenge yet—World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Despite their friendship through the Global Chess League, Carlsen’s determination is unwavering. Pragg’s successful track record in tiebreakers might give him an edge, but facing Carlsen requires a strategic approach.
Although Pragg didn’t anticipate facing Carlsen in the tournament, he’s eager to compete. The final is set to begin on Tuesday, allowing little time for preparation.
Coach says –
Carlsen himself praised Pragg’s dedication and commitment to chess, highlighting him as a role model for aspiring players. RB Ramesh, Pragg’s long-time coach, emphasized the importance of his unwavering determination and dedication.
In the face of formidable challenges, Pragg’s journey showcases his exceptional skills and determination, positioning him as a promising figure in Indian chess.
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India’s Chess King Praggnanandhaa finishes 2nd in FIDE World Cup