Wijk Aan Zee (Netherlands), Feb 3 (PTI): Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa scripted history on Sunday, overcoming exhaustion and nerves to outplay world champion D Gukesh in a thrilling tie-breaker to secure his first Tata Steel Masters title.
The 19-year-old from Chennai, a city often referred to as the cradle of Indian chess, came from behind to defeat the 18-year-old world number three 2-1 in the tie-breaker at the 87th edition of the prestigious tournament.
A Dramatic Path to Victory
Both players had concluded the classical rounds tied at 8.5 points, after suffering losses in the 13th and final round—Gukesh to fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa to Germany’s Vincent Keymer.The tie-breaker unfolded with intense drama, reflective of the fierce competitive spirit of these two young grandmasters.
Asked whether it was the most stressful day of his career, which began when he was just two years old, Praggnanandhaa replied,
The Battle of Nerves in the Tie-Breaker
The first game of the tie-breaker saw Gukesh capitalize on a blunder by Praggnanandhaa, winning after a miscalculation that cost the latter a full rook. With his back against the wall, Praggnanandhaa had no option but to win the second game—and he delivered.Opting for the Trompowsky opening, Praggnanandhaa held his ground, capitalized on an error from Gukesh, and managed to level the score at 1-1.
The match then progressed to sudden death, where Praggnanandhaa, playing with white pieces, faced an early challenge as Gukesh gained a pawn advantage. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Gukesh lost control under pressure, dropping a pawn and eventually his last remaining knight. Praggnanandhaa seized the opportunity with impeccable technique, clinching the decisive point and securing his maiden Tata Steel Masters title.
Gukesh Falls Short in the Tiebreaker—Again
For Gukesh, this marked the second consecutive year of tying for the top spot and losing in the tie-breaker. In 2023, he had suffered a similar fate at the hands of China’s Wei Yi.A New High for Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s triumph at the Tata Steel Masters further cements India’s growing dominance in the chess world, with young talents like him and Gukesh consistently challenging the best. With this victory, Praggnanandhaa has not only added another feather to his cap but also reaffirmed his status as one of the most formidable young players on the global stage.
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