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Praggnanandhaa becomes the first Indian in over two decades to advance to the final of the Chess World Cup.
BAKU — Indian teenage Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa stunned the global chess community by defeating world No.3 Fabiano Caruana in a tense FIDE World Cup semifinal match held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
After a nail-biting tie-break that ended 3.5-2.5, Praggnanandhaa secured victory, securing a spot in the final and a place in the coveted Candidates 2024 tournament in Canada. His exceptional skills were on full display as he overcame Caruana, who initially tied 1-1 in the classical series.
🔥 Praggnanandhaa goes to the final of the #FIDEWorldCup!
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 21, 2023
The Indian prodigy managed to beat world #3 Fabiano Caruana 3.5-2.5 after tiebreaks and will battle it out against Magnus Carlsen for the title.
📷 Maria Emelianova pic.twitter.com/FDOjflp6jL
This victory highlighted Praggnanandhaa's quick thinking and strategic prowess, setting the stage for an exciting final against world No.1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway.
The significance of this triumph resonates deeply with India's chess legacy, as Praggnanandhaa becomes the first Indian in over two decades to advance to the final of the Chess World Cup. The last individual to accomplish this feat was the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who clinched the World Cup title twice in 2000 and 2002, albeit in a different tournament format.
Pragg goes through to the final! He beats Fabiano Caruana in the tiebreak and will face Magnus Carlsen now.
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking)
What a performance!@FIDE_chess #FIDEWorldCup2023
Anand, undoubtedly elated by the young prodigy's achievement, took to 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) to shower praise on the rising star. "Pragg advances to the final! He outmatches Fabiano Caruana in the tiebreak and will now face Magnus Carlsen. A truly stellar performance!" Anand's tweet reverberated the shared excitement and pride felt across the nation.
As Praggnanandhaa readies for a historic clash against Carlsen, he carries the immense aspirations and well-wishes of a nation steeped in chess tradition. The upcoming showdown holds the promise of a transformative moment for Indian chess, drawing global attention. Regardless of the result, his success showcases India's burgeoning chess talent.