Praggnanandhaa Triumphs Over Gukesh to Win Tata Chess
In a gripping finale to the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa claimed victory over D Gukesh in a tense tiebreaker, securing one of the most prestigious chess titles.
Gukesh’s Unbeaten Run Ends
Gukesh, who had remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, stumbled in the final round, suffering an unexpected loss against Arjun Erigaisi. This opened the door for Praggnanandhaa to push for a tiebreaker and stake his claim for the championship.
Praggnanandhaa’s Grit Under Pressure
Despite facing a setback in his last regular match against Germany’s Vincent Keymer, Praggnanandhaa stayed resilient. With Gukesh’s defeat bringing them level on points, the title had to be decided in a nerve-wracking tiebreaker.
Decisive Tiebreaker Battle
The tiebreaker was a test of speed and strategy, and Praggnanandhaa stepped up with a stellar performance. After losing the first rapid game, he bounced back with two commanding wins, sealing the championship with a 2-1 score. Reflecting on his approach, he said, “After the defeat in the first rapid game, I realized I had lost two games on the same day and could lose a third without any victory. So, I decided to enjoy the ‘sudden death’ and play my best and fastest, without thinking about anything else. And it worked out very well.”
A New Era for Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s victory further cements India’s rising dominance in the chess world. With young talents like him and Gukesh consistently performing at the highest level, India is becoming a powerhouse in global chess.
The Tata Steel Chess Tournament, often regarded as the “Wimbledon of Chess,” witnessed high-intensity clashes, but it was Praggnanandhaa’s strategic brilliance that ultimately made the difference, adding another significant milestone to his career.
