Praggnanandhaa vs Anand: A Battle of Generations Resumes at WR Masters Quarter-finals

The clash of generations between 13-year-old Praggnanandhaa and 48-year-old Viswanathan Anand at the Tata Steel Chess India blitz in 2018 captured the attention of chess enthusiasts worldwide. Fast forward to 2022, and the two chess prodigies faced off once again at the WR Masters quarter-finals in London, marking their first classical face-off.

Both games between Praggnanandhaa and Anand ended in draws, setting the stage for an intense Armageddon showdown. With Praggnanandhaa in a must-win situation, the young grandmaster strategically played the Scotch opening to put pressure on Anand, who needed only a draw to advance to the semi-finals.

In a thrilling 26-move battle, Praggnanandhaa showcased his dominance on the board, forcing Anand to resign and securing his victory. This momentous win symbolizes the evolution of Indian chess, with rising stars like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh making their mark on the international stage.

As Anand continues to mentor the next generation of chess players and Praggnanandhaa climbs the world rankings, Indian chess stands at the forefront of the global chess scene. The legacy of Anand’s pioneering efforts in Indian chess lives on through the success of young talents like Praggnanandhaa, highlighting the bright future of the sport in the country.