R Praggnanandhaa Makes History as First Indian to Win Norway Chess Title
R Praggnanandhaa Makes History as First Indian to Win Norway Chess Title
Oslo, Norway — In a stunning display of skill and determination, 20-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa etched his name in chess history by becoming the first Indian to clinch the prestigious Norway Chess title. The young prodigy secured his victory with a decisive win against Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round on Friday, finishing the tournament with an impressive 18 points.
Starting the day in third place with 15 points, Praggnanandhaa rose to the occasion when it mattered most, delivering a performance that not only earned him the title but also marked a significant milestone in Indian chess. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it eluded legendary figures like Viswanathan Anand and reigning world champion D Gukesh since the tournament’s inception in 2013.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Praggnanandhaa shared that his mother was a source of inspiration throughout the tournament. “I was speaking to my mother on June 1, before Alireza’s game, and she was telling me, ‘it’s a new month, you’ll play well!’ It’s just one of those things that mum always says, and then these four games I won. She knew something, I guess,” he said, highlighting the emotional support that fueled his success.
This was Praggnanandhaa’s second appearance at Norway Chess, where he notably defeated Magnus Carlsen twice in classical matches—an extraordinary feat for any player. His victory against Keymer was a tightly contested affair, with both players showing early signs of pressure. However, Keymer’s lapse in concentration during the endgame allowed Praggnanandhaa to seize the moment and secure the win.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, who ended his own tournament on a high note by defeating D Gukesh, praised Praggnanandhaa’s performance. “That’s pretty insane! That’s as clutch as it gets… He is an incredible fighter, and it’s fun to see him get rewarded for that,” Carlsen remarked, acknowledging the volatility and excitement of the tournament.
Praggnanandhaa’s victory not only boosts his Elo rating back above the 2750 mark but also helps him move past the disappointment of missing out on the Candidates Tournament. He expressed a desire to take a step back and enjoy the game, saying, “I decided I don’t want to think about the next Candidates already at this point—I just want to chill and enjoy the games, and that’s what I’m doing.”
In the women’s section, GM Bibisara Assaubayeva claimed the title with a round to spare, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
As the chess world celebrates this historic achievement, R Praggnanandhaa stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring players everywhere, proving that with talent, hard work, and a little encouragement from family, anything is possible.