NEW DELHI: Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa held his ground against world No.1 Magnus Carlsen in a gripping showdown at the FIDE World Cup final on Wednesday, forcing a draw in the second classical game of the series. The battle of wits between these two giants of the chess world has captivated fans worldwide, with the fate of the championship still hanging in the balance.
As it happened: FIDE World Cup Final
The encounter saw both players engage in a strategic duel, resulting in a balanced position that led to a peaceful draw after just 30 moves. The intensity of their moves, however, didn't reflect the relatively swift outcome, as both contenders exhibited their prowess and tactical acumen on the board.
The champion will be decided in the tie-breaks scheduled for Thursday, where the ultimate victor of this high-stakes match will be determined.
Carlsen, known for his tactical brilliance and calculated gameplay, will undoubtedly aim to assert his dominance in the tie-break phase. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa, the young Indian sensation, will be keen to showcase his mettle and seize the opportunity to claim a prestigious victory over the reigning world champion.
Carlsen's solid play with the white pieces in this game showcased his mastery over a wide range of positions, while Praggnanandhaa's adept handling of the black pieces demonstrated his composure under pressure. The players, recognizing the equilibrium in their positions, agreed to a draw, setting the stage for the high-stakes tie-break encounter.
Board at the end of the contest. (FIDE Photo)
In the preceding match, the opening game of the final had also ended in a draw after an intense four-hour battle involving over 70 moves. Carlsen's performance had been slightly impacted as he cited feeling under the weather after the game.
Praggnanandhaa's journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. The 18-year-old Grandmaster astonished the chess world by defeating world No. 3 Fabiano Caruana in the semifinals, securing his place in the championship match against Carlsen. With this feat, Praggnanandhaa joined the ranks of legendary players such as Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen, becoming the third-youngest chess prodigy in history to qualify for the prestigious Candidates tournament.
(With inputs from PTI)
