Indian grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa registered a memorable win over USA’s Fabiano Caruana in tiebreaks in the semi-final. The teenager defeated Fabiano Caruana, the 3rd highest rated player in history, to reach the final of FIDE Chess World Cup 2023. With this, Pragg has become only the second Indian after Vishy Anand to qualify for Candidates.
In a highly anticipated clash that has captured the chess world’s attention, Indian grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in history by securing a remarkable victory over USA’s Fabiano Caruana during the tiebreaks of the intense semi-final showdown at the FIDE World Cup 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This triumph has set the stage for an epic final showdown against the world’s top-ranked player, Magnus Carlsen.
Praggnanandhaa’s prowess shone brightly as he outperformed Caruana with a 3.5-2.5 scoreline in the semi-final. Notably, this victory also ensures his well-deserved place in the forthcoming Candidates 2024 tournament, a significant achievement in the chess realm.
The young Grandmaster’s astounding journey took an exhilarating turn after the two-game classical series concluded in a 1-1 draw in Baku. The subsequent tie-breaker showcased Praggnanandhaa’s tactical brilliance, leading him to emerge as the victor. Admirers of the game, including the iconic Viswanathan Anand, couldn’t help but praise the 18-year-old prodigy’s performance. Anand, expressing his awe on Twitter, applauded Praggnanandhaa’s advancement to the final and commended his remarkable display.
The FIDE World Cup semi-final’s penultimate encounter on Sunday saw Praggnanandhaa and World No.3 Caruana concluding their match in a deadlock after 47 intense moves, propelling the contest into an enthralling tie-breaker. This momentous achievement echoes Anand’s historic feat, making Praggnanandhaa the second Indian chess player to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
As he stands on the brink of the final clash, Praggnanandhaa finds himself in the company of the chess elite, preparing to face Magnus Carlsen, who secured his spot by triumphing over Azerbaijan’s Nijat Abasov. Carlsen’s measured performance earned him a draw in the second game, solidifying his position as the first finalist of the FIDE World Cup 2023 in Baku.
With the spotlight firmly on him, Praggnanandhaa is now poised to lead the charge at the prestigious Candidates event in the coming year. This showcase event will serve as the ultimate platform to determine the challenger for the reigning World Chess Champion, Ding Liren.
In a narrative that underscores both talent and tenacity, Praggnanandhaa’s journey through the FIDE World Cup 2023 paints a picture of a young chess prodigy on the cusp of etching his legacy alongside the game’s luminaries. The stage is set for an electrifying finale that promises to etch this moment in chess history.
