In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Indian chess prodigy GM R Praggnanandhaa managed to secure a commendable draw against the reigning World no.1, Magnus Carlsen, in the first classical game of the final of the FIDE World Cup chess tournament on Tuesday. The face-off, which took place on Tuesday, saw the young Indian Grandmaster showcase his prowess and tactical acumen.
At just 18 years old, Praggnanandhaa demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, holding firm against an opponent widely regarded as one of the best chess players in history. Playing with the white pieces, the young prodigy forced a stalemate after 35 moves, highlighting his skill against a seasoned and higher-rated adversary.
The outcome of this intense match means that Magnus Carlsen will have the white-piece advantage in the following game of the two-match classical series set for Wednesday. This setup is pivotal, as the color of the pieces a player holds can significantly influence the strategy and flow of the game.
It's worth noting that Praggnanandhaa's journey to the final wasn't without its share of dramatic victories. He took the chess world by storm by securing an astonishing win over world No.3 Fabiano Caruana, finishing the game with a score of 3.5-2.5.
The young chess sensation's achievements continue to add to India's proud legacy in the game. By reaching the final of the World Cup, Praggnanandhaa became only the second Indian player to achieve this milestone. The legendary Viswanathan Anand was the first, establishing himself as one of the sport's greats. Moreover, Praggnanandhaa has already carved a place for himself in the upcoming Candidates tournament slated for 2024.
With such a stellar performance at a young age, the future of Indian chess seems promising. All eyes will now be on the next game, as fans and enthusiasts eagerly await to see if Praggnanandhaa can clinch victory against the formidable Carlsen.
