Young Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa Emerges Winner in Norway Chess Group A Tournament

Young Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa shines in Norway Chess Group A open tournament

In a stunning display of skill and determination, 16-year-old Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious in the Norway Chess Group A open tournament, finishing with an impressive 7.5 points from nine rounds. The top-seed GM showcased his exceptional talent by remaining unbeaten throughout the competition, culminating in a final win over fellow Indian V Praneeth, an International Master.

Praggnanandhaa’s stellar performance saw him clinch the title with a full point lead over second-placed IM Marsel Efroimski from Israel and IM Jung Min Seo from Sweden. Despite facing tough competition, Praneeth managed to secure joint third place with six points, ultimately settling for sixth place due to a tie-break score disadvantage.

Throughout the tournament, Praggnanandhaa displayed his prowess by securing victories against strong opponents such as Victor Mikhalevski, Vitaly Kunin, Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov, Semen Mutusov, and Mathias Unneland. His strategic gameplay and unwavering focus also led to three draws in the competition.

The young chess prodigy’s recent success adds to his growing list of achievements, including a notable victory over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the Chessable Master online event. Looking ahead, Praggnanandhaa is set to represent the India B team in the upcoming 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the chess world.

Following his triumph, Praggnanandhaa’s coach R. B. Ramesh praised his performance, stating, “Congratulations to him for the victory. He played well in general, drawing three games with black pieces and winning the rest. This win will undoubtedly boost his confidence and motivation for future competitions.”

In the main tournament, veteran Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand showcased his enduring skill by securing third place in the Classical section. Anand’s hard-fought victory against Norway’s Aryan Tari highlighted his strategic prowess and resilience in the face of formidable opponents. With the world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen claiming the top spot and Azerbaijan GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov securing second place, Anand’s impressive performance solidified his status as a formidable force in the chess world.

As the chess community celebrates the remarkable achievements of both Praggnanandhaa and Anand, the future looks bright for Indian chess as these talented players continue to make their mark on the international stage.