Indian chess enthusiasts got one more reason to cheer as R Praggnanandhaa, the young Grandmaster of India, beat Magnus Carlsen, the World No.1, in the fourth round of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour currently underway at Las Vegas. Praggnanandhaa won with such a convincing score in only 39 moves, dedicating his strength as he grows in stature in the international circuit.
Against the legendary Carlsen of Norway, the 18-year-old Indian was also superb in terms of control in the 10-minute + 10-second increment time control game. His precision was phenomenal, with a striking percentage of 93.9 as compared to that of Carlsen, 84.9, indicating sharp thinking and calculation by him.
Praggnanandhaa made his campaign by drawing against Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov, before beating Bibisara Assaubayeva in the second game. Playing with black pieces, he advanced to the third round, where he beat Vincent Keymer. By defeating Carlsen this time, Praggnanandhaa has moved to 4.5 points and is currently standing at the head of the White Group, which has eight players in the fray for the 1st spot.
Praggnanandhaa was found expressing his affinities towards freestyle chess after the match, as it enables him to think inventively and feel more relaxed as compared to strict classical systems.
It is one of the greatest achievements in his life, and it is proof of how Indian is growing stronger in the world of chess. It is noteworthy that after defeating Magnus Carlsen last time, D Gukesh tends to defeat the Norwegian star one more time.
The triumph of Praggnanandhaa is not only a source of pride to the Indian fans of the game of chess but also a source of hope that the country is slowly becoming a dominant nation in chess with this win. The way he played at the same level in classical chess, rapid, and blitz during this tour also indicates his further status as one of the most talented developing young individuals to be aware of within the next few years.
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