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- Published: August 21, 2023 21:44
New Delhi: In a thrilling display of strategic prowess and determination, Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa secured his place in the final of the FIDE World Cup by prevailing over American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana in a nail-biting tiebreaker on Monday.
Following an intense series of events spanning classical and rapid games, Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious, earning his ticket to the highly anticipated final showdown.
Congratulations @rpragchess for winning against Fabiano and going to the finals at the World Cup in 2023! Proud and happy!
— Ramesh RB (@Rameshchess) August 21, 2023
The FIDE World Cup semifinals witnessed a remarkable clash between Praggnanandhaa and Fabiano Caruana. The initial two classical games on Saturday and Sunday were closely contested and concluded in draws, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the rapid games. Monday’s rapid games continued the trend, with both games ending in draws, amplifying the tension in the air.
However, the Indian sensation surged ahead in the crucial third game of the tiebreaker. Praggnanandhaa strategically outmaneuvered Caruana, achieving a critical victory that brought him closer to his final destination.
The final moments as 18-year-old Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa reached a #FIDEWorldCup final against Magnus Carlsen! pic.twitter.com/ACsAWDWvVU
— chess24.com (@chess24com) August 21, 2023
The 18-year-old chess prodigy has now become the first Indian since Indian chess champion Viswanathan Anand to reach the semifinals of the esteemed FIDE World Cup, where he will be going up against Magnus Larsen.
Among the four Indians who had advanced to the quarterfinals, Praggnanandhaa stands as the sole Indian contender in the ongoing battle. His tenacity and strategic brilliance have carried him through a competitive field, making him a shining representative of India’s chess prowess.