Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa made the nation proud with his sensational run in the FIDE World Cup Final in Baku, Azerbaijan, on August 24. Magnus Carlsen came good and stopped his Indian competitor 2.5-1.5 for his maiden World Cup title. Though Praggnanandhaa went down fighting to the world no.1 player, he garnered huge praise and appreciation for his performance in the tournament.
The 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai lost to Carlsen in the tie-breaks after the classical games in the final ended in a stalemate. Despite the defeat, he registered a historic feat and became the only Indian player after Viswanathan Anand to book a spot in the Candidates Tournament.
President of India Droupadi Murmu also credited Praggnanandhaa for displaying the highest level of excellence.
The two classical games on August 22 and August 23 between the two Grandmasters ended in draws, forcing the final to a tie-break. Carlsen on August 24 overcame a stiff challenge from his Indian opponent in the first tie-break game, winning it in 45 moves. The second 25+10 tie-break game then ended in a draw in 22 moves.
