24th August 2023, Mumbai: R Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable run in the FIDE World Cup concluded as he faced off against world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. In a thrilling tie-break on Thursday, Carlsen secured victory with a score of 1.5-0.5 after the classical games had ended in a draw. The Norwegian maestro’s end-game skills came to the fore, solidifying his win and marking his first World Cup triumph, a feat to add to his five World Championship victories.
Praggnanandhaa’s spirited efforts
In the initial tie-break game, Carlsen found himself challenged by the enterprising play of his 18-year-old Indian opponent. Despite Praggnanandhaa’s spirited efforts, Carlsen emerged victorious in 45 moves, displaying his ability to adapt and seize the advantage even in the face of adversity.
The Nail-biting Match
The nail-biting contest was pushed into a tie-break due to the two draws in the classical games held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Praggnanandhaa’s journey through the tournament had been awe-inspiring, as he conquered world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura and world No. 3 Fabiano Caruana, earning his place in the final against the formidable Carlsen.
Secured His Qualification For The Candidates 2024 Tournament
Additionally, Praggnanandhaa’s stellar performance in the ongoing tournament secured his qualification for the Candidates 2024 tournament, scheduled to take place in Canada. This accomplishment places him in esteemed company, making him the third youngest player to qualify for the Candidates tournament, following the footsteps of legendary players Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen.
R Praggnanandhaa’s Path to the World Cup Final showcased his tenacity and skill:
- He received a bye in the first round.
- Secured victory over French Grandmaster Maxime Lagarde with a score of 1.5-0.5 in the second round.
- Triumphed over experienced Czech GM David Navara in the third round, with a score of 1.5-0.5.
- Displayed his prowess by defeating world No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura of the USA with a score of 3-1 in the fourth round.
- Emerged victorious against Hungarian Ferenc Berkes with a score of 1.5-0.5 in the fifth round.
- Showcased resilience with a come-from-behind victory of 5-4 against compatriot Arjun Erigaisi in the sixth round.
- Achieved a remarkable victory over Italian-American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, ranked third globally, with a score of 3.5-2.5 in the semifinals, securing a place in the World Cup summit clash.
In the final showdown, the first game on Tuesday concluded in a draw after 35 moves, and the second game followed suit, ending in a swift draw after only 30 moves. Thursday saw Praggnanandhaa and Carlsen engage in the shorter time control games for the tie-break. Unfortunately, the Indian Grandmaster was unable to clinch victory in this intense battle, leading to Carlsen’s triumph.
The FIDE World Cup marked a remarkable chapter in R Praggnanandhaa’s journey, displaying his unwavering dedication and exceptional talent on the global stage.