Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has become the first Indian player in history to win the prestigious Norway Chess title. Having won the final round to clinch the title, the 20-year old raw talent nailed his greatest season in one of the world’s premier chess events.
With 15 points on the third position as he entered the final day, Praggnanandhaa had to perform when it mattered the most. After his classical win over Keymer he won three valuable points, driving him out of the reaches. The victory is especially significant to Indian chess, with neither Indian chess giant Viswanathan Anand nor reigning king of the World Governments D Gukesh having succeeded in winning the Norway Chess title since the inaugural tournament in 2013.
Praggnanandhaa played in Norway Chess for the first time in years, but bounced back in a great way with a consistent run of good play. His home turf is also one of the most memorable experiences during his campaign when he defeated number one in the world Magnus Carlsen twice in classical chess just in his native country, a feat that made the young Indian conspicuous in the global chess field.
The title race continued to the end of the round. It started with American Grandmaster Wesley So who led the day, but couldn’t clinch an outright victory against Alireza Firouzja, leading Praggnanandhaa to grab the moment in their favour.
The win is seen as one of Praggnanandhaa’s biggest of his career and further cements India’s lead over the rest of the world in chess.