D Gukesh devastated after tie-breaker defeat to R Praggnanandhaa at Tata Chess Masters
Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh was left devastated after his tie-breaker defeat to R Praggnanandhaa at the Tata Chess Masters in Wijk aan Zee. The two grandmasters had a disappointing Round 13, with Gukesh losing to Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa falling to Vincent Keymer in a marathon match.
In the blitz playoffs, Gukesh initially won the first game but then lost the next two to Praggnanandhaa, who ultimately emerged victorious. The reigning world champion was left shellshocked by the result, with his emotions visibly showing on his face. Gukesh, who was earlier in sole lead, ended up in a tie-breaker position and ultimately lost in the playoffs.
The final tie-breaker game saw Gukesh run out of time, leading to his defeat and leaving fans and the 18-year-old grandmaster himself in disbelief. Praggnanandhaa, who claimed the title, expressed his happiness at the win and praised the strong field of competitors at the event.
The intense match saw both players in a dead-equal position, with Gukesh ultimately making a painful blunder that cost him the game. Praggnanandhaa, who considered Gukesh to be the better player at one point, reflected on the challenging match and his strategy in securing the victory.
The Tata Chess Masters event in Wijk aan Zee witnessed a historic moment as Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious, leaving Gukesh devastated and crushed by the unexpected defeat. The intense competition and emotional rollercoaster of the match captivated fans and players alike, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game of chess.