Praggnanandhaa Co-Wins London Chess Classic Open
Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa has shared first place at the London Chess Classic 2025 Open after finishing the tournament with 7 points out of 9. The event does not use tiebreaks, so he was declared joint winner along with Velimir Ivic of Serbia and Ameet Ghasi of England.
Strong Tournament Run
Praggnanandhaa started impressively with three straight wins. He remained unbeaten across nine rounds, scoring four wins and five draws. His victory in the eighth round helped him take sole lead before a final-round draw secured a top finish. The performance was consistent and solid, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable players in open tournaments.
Boost To Candidates Qualification
With this result, Praggnanandhaa gained important points on the FIDE Circuit and consolidated his position among the frontrunners for a berth at the 2026 Candidates Tournament. His rating and circuit points improved, strengthening his qualification chances. The Candidates is the event that decides the challenger for the World Chess Championship, and every point is crucial.
Rising Indian Chess Star
At just 20 years old, Praggnanandhaa has become one of India’s most prominent chess players. His recent performances have included strong results at major events, and he continues to compete successfully against world-class opposition. The London result adds to an impressive year and increases expectations for future tournaments.
