Chennai, Feb 4 (PTI) – Chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa was met with a grand reception upon his return to Chennai, following his historic victory at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament. Hundreds of enthusiastic fans, alongside Tamil Nadu government officials and members of the national chess federation, gathered at the airport on Tuesday to celebrate the 19-year-old’s remarkable achievement.
Praggnanandhaa scripted history on Sunday by defeating reigning World Champion and fellow Indian D Gukesh in a thrilling tie-breaker, securing his maiden Tata Steel Chess title—the biggest triumph of his career to date.
Expressing his joy at the victory, Praggnanandhaa remarked, "I feel very happy to win this tournament, and it is very nice to see that two Indians, two Tamil Nadu players, competed in the tie-break at the end. We both played well. Huge congrats to him (D Gukesh) as well, he played really well."
Both players had concluded the 13-round classical format with 8.5 points, setting the stage for an intense tie-breaker in the 87th edition of the prestigious tournament held in Wijk Aan Zee. Displaying remarkable composure and mental fortitude, Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious with a 2-1 score in the rapid playoff.
With this triumph, Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian since the legendary Viswanathan Anand to claim the Tata Steel Chess title. Anand, a three-time winner in 2003, 2004, and 2006, had also shared top honors in 1989 and 1998 when the event was known as the Hoogovens Tournament.
Reflecting on his dramatic final day, Praggnanandhaa described it as "crazy and long," as he overcame exhaustion and nerves to outmaneuver Gukesh in a nail-biting decider. Despite an early blunder in the tie-breaker’s first game, he bounced back with a must-win effort using the Trompowsky opening, forcing the match into sudden death.
Just when a draw seemed imminent, Gukesh faltered, allowing Praggnanandhaa to seize the advantage and clinch his maiden title.
With this major milestone behind him, Praggnanandhaa now sets his sights on the Prague Masters, scheduled to take place from February 25 to March 7.
His victory marks a new chapter in Indian chess, reinforcing the country's rising dominance on the global stage.
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