R Praggnanandhaa, the young chess sensation from India, showcased his remarkable skills on the grand stage of the Chess World Cup 2023, where he secured the runner-up position in a gripping showdown against the five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen. The tournament reached its climax in Baku on Thursday, August 24, as the two formidable players engaged in a battle of wits.
Although Praggnanandhaa's hopes of clinching the championship were ultimately dashed by Carlsen, the Indian prodigy's journey to the final was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Competing in the tournament just after turning 18, he etched his name into the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest player ever to grace the Chess World Cup final. In doing so, he joined the ranks of Indian chess legend Vishwanathan Anand.
In a testament to his indomitable spirit, Praggnanandhaa pushed Carlsen to his limits, forcing the final into a tie-breaker after three grueling days and four intense matches. Despite Praggnanandhaa's valiant efforts, Carlsen's impeccable time management and strategic prowess ultimately secured him the title.
For his exceptional performance, Praggnanandhaa was awarded a prize purse of $80,000 (equivalent to approximately INR 66 lakh). Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen claimed the winner's share of $110,000 (about INR 91 lakh). The third-place finisher, American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, earned a prize of $60,000 (approximately INR 50 lakh), while Nijat Abasov, who secured fourth place, received $50,000 (roughly INR 41 lakh).
The final stages of the tournament were riveting as the players were deadlocked in the first and second rounds, leading to an exhilarating tie-breaker. In this tense showdown, Carlsen's unparalleled skills shone through, as he clinched victory in the first tie-break game after 45 intense moves. Facing this setback, Praggnanandhaa needed a win with the black pieces to stay in contention, a daunting task against such a formidable opponent.
Praggnanandhaa's achievements extended beyond the Chess World Cup, as he secured a place in the prestigious Candidates tournament of 2024. This achievement made him the third youngest player in history to qualify for this illustrious event, following in the footsteps of chess legends Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen. The top three players from the Chess World Cup secured their spots in the Candidates tournament, where the ultimate victor would earn the right to challenge the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China.
