R. Praggnanandhaa made the entire country proud even as he finished runner-up at the 2023 FIDE Chess World Cup, losing the final to world number one and former world champion Magnus Carlsen on Thursday. The 18-year-old is also the youngest player ever to have reached the final of the tournament.
On his way to the title match, Pragg beat world number 2 and 3 but the top-seeded Magnus Carlsen got the better of him on Thursday, following two games of rapid chess.
Pragg put in a great fight against the Norwegian star as the first two classical games resulted in a draw, causing them to move to the 25+10 rapid round to break the tie. The first game of the tiebreaker was won by Magnus, using black pieces and the Indian prodigy couldn't manage to pull off a comeback as the second game too resulted in a draw, causing him to lose the final.
Praggnanandhaa has been receiving appreciation from across the country for his portrayal of brilliance and determination throughout the tournament.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur took to Twitter to applaud Pragg's performance and wrote, "Congratulations to the Indian prodigy @rpragchess for a journey of brilliance at 2023 FIDE World Cup, finishing as a runner-up and setting new milestones! Your strategic prowess shone brightly amongst the world's finest, as you admirably outwitted your opponents in a thrilling display of wits amid nerve-wracking games and tie-breakers. You've not only made India swell with pride but have also captured the admiration of billions across the globe. The entire nation is delighted with your achievements and we await your future accomplishments."
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