Praggnanandhaa Dethrones Carlsen, Wins Norway Chess

R Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in chess history by winning the Norway Chess tournament, a first for any Indian player. This significant achievement occurred recently, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. The young chess sensation from Chennai defeated the formidable world No. 1, Magnus Carlsen, not once, but twice in classical games. This remarkable feat took place in a highly competitive field where all six participants in the Open section boasted ratings above 2700.

Praggnanandhaa showcased incredible resilience, recovering from a slow start to win four consecutive games in the latter half of the tournament. He entered the final day in third place but secured a crucial classical victory in the last round, amassing 18 points to clinch the title. This victory surpasses the achievements of Indian chess legends Viswanathan Anand and D Gukesh at this particular tournament since its inception in 2013. Despite a disappointing outing at the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa's performance in Norway demonstrates his continued excellence on the global stage.