Adani Group Chairman Gautams Adani Lauds Indian Chess Prodigy R Praggnanandhaa's Triumphs
In the realm of chess, Indian teenage sensation R Praggnanandhaa has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, garnering accolades for his remarkable achievements. Adding to his list of victories, Praggnanandhaa recently triumphed over world number one Magnus Carlsen and world number two Fabiano Caruana at the ongoing Norway Chess competition, drawing praise from Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani.
Incredible Praggnanandhaa! Beating both World No.1 Magnus Carlsen and No.2 Fabiano Caruana in classical chess at #NorwayChess is mindblowing. You're on a roll and still just 18! Keep the tricolour flying high. All the very best, @rpraggnachess!, Adani expressed on his official X handle, acknowledging Praggnanandhaa's exceptional talent and spirit.
Praggnanandhaa's heroics at the Norway Chess competition have not only earned him victories over the world's top-ranked players but have also propelled him into the top ten of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Rankings, a testament to his remarkable skill and dedication.
The 18-year-old prodigy's journey to success has been marked by consistent determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His victory over Carlsen in round three, where he skillfully wielded the white pieces, showcased his strategic acumen and ability to outmaneuver even the most formidable opponents.
Prior to his triumph in classical chess, Praggnanandhaa had already demonstrated his prowess in rapid and blitz chess games, notching up several wins against Carlsen. His versatility across different chess formats underscores his adaptability and mastery of the game's intricacies.
Despite his recent loss to America's Hikaru Nakamura in Round 4 of the Norway Chess 2024, Praggnanandhaa's performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. Nakamura's victory can be attributed to his meticulous preparation and ability to anticipate Praggnanandhaa's moves, leading to a convincing win.
Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa's sister, Vaishali, has also showcased her dominance in the Norway Chess Women's Tournament, securing a victory over legendary player Pia Cramling and extending her lead to 8.5 points. Indian Women's chess Grandmaster Humpy, however, faced a setback in her classical game against Anna Muzychuk in round 4.
In the Norway Chess main event, local hero Carlsen displayed his resilience and strategic prowess, securing a narrow victory over Fabiano Caruana and bagging three crucial points. Caruana had a golden opportunity to close the rating gap with Carlsen, but the game took a dramatic turn, with Carlsen capitalizing on a small advantage and ultimately clinching the win when Caruana faltered under time pressure.
Alireza Firouzja also made his mark, stunning reigning World Champion Ding Liren to earn three crucial points ahead of the rest day. The Norway Chess 2024 tournament has brought together the world's elite chess players for a super-tournament, which commenced on May 27 and will continue until June 7. This year's tournament features not only the Norway Chess tournament but also introduces Norway Chess Women, an all-female tournament showcasing the world's top female players. Both tournaments follow a 6-player double round-robin format with equal prize funds, underscoring a commitment to gender equality in chess.
