India’s Chess King Praggnanandhaa finishes 2nd in FIDE World Cup

India’s Chess King Praggnanandhaa finishes 2nd in FIDE World Cup

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Pragg and Carlsen

In the Chess World Cup 2023 final between Praggnanandhaa and Carlsen, after a few days of intense and nervous chess games, Magnus Carlsen won his first FIDE World Cup. He defeated India’s Pragg in the final, but not without a tie-breaker match that the 18-year-old prodigy Pragg pushed him into. Carlsen secured his victory in the second tie-breaker game. Earlier, they had drawn in games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Young Indian chess talent R Pragg couldn’t repeat his recent impressive wins, as renowned player Magnus Carlsen triumphed 1.5-0.5 in the tie-break to claim the FIDE World Cup title in Baku on Thursday. Pragg’s exciting journey in the tournament ended when the regular games resulted in a tie.

Even though Pragg lost the final, this FIDE World Cup was a memorable event for the young player from Chennai. He earned a place in the prestigious Candidates Tournament, where the next challenger for world champion Ding Liren will be decided.

Pragg, who celebrated his 18th birthday during the World Cup, became the youngest finalist and winner in World Cup history. Despite being the 31st seed, he made it to the final, which is a remarkable achievement.

By reaching the final, Pragg became the third youngest player ever, following Bobby Fischer and Carlsen, to qualify for the Candidates tournament.

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen, a five-time World Champion and top-ranked player, secured his first-ever World Cup victory after a fierce tie-break match.

In the second tie-break game, Carlsen, having already won the first, played cautiously, showcasing his strong skills in end-game strategies, and the game ended in a draw.

After an intense first game, the second one was less eventful, with Pragg conceding a draw as he fell behind quickly.

The classical games on Tuesday and Wednesday were drawn, leading to the need for a tie-break to determine the World Cup champion.

Despite facing health issues from food poisoning, Carlsen displayed his resilience by making a remarkable comeback in the tie-break. He won the first tie-break game against his 18-year-old Indian opponent in 45 moves. Carlsen then navigated through Pragg’s aggressive play to gain the upper hand.

The Indian player struggled against time pressure and lost in the first rapid game, allowing Carlsen to capitalize on his advantage in the second game.

Carlsen won the first game in 45 moves and took advantage of playing with the white pieces in the second game.

Pragg made a strong start in the first game with the white pieces, manoeuvring well for an advantageous position.

In the second game, Carlsen initiated with e4. Key moves included Carlsen capturing a pawn on the eighth move and Pragg taking a second pawn with his queen.

Needing a victory in the second game, Pragg faced early time pressure and opted for a draw with Carlsen having the upper hand.

In earlier matches, both classical games resulted in draws, leading to the tie-break to determine the World Cup winner.

Viswanathan Anand

Renowned Indian player Viswanathan Anand congratulated Carlsen and expressed confidence in Pragg’s future success.

Pragg’s remarkable journey in the tournament included victories against world No.2 Hikaru Nakamura and world No.3 Fabiano Caruana, earning him a spot in the final against Carlsen.

Pragg’s performance also earned him a place in the Candidates 2024 tournament, making him the third youngest player to qualify after Bobby Fischer and Carlsen.

American player Fabiano Caruana secured third place through a tie-break against local star Nijat Abasov, earning a spot in the Candidates tournament as well.

Supportive Family

Rameshbabu Pragg says, “My family has helped and supported me a lot, and I am really thankful to them.”

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