Praggnanandhaa scripts history, becomes first Indian to win Norway Chess Title

OSLO: India's Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has won a remarkable achievement. Praggnanandhaa has achieved a historic achievement of becoming the first Indian to win the Norway Chess Tournament. Praggnanandhaa won the title by defeating Germany's Vincent Keimer in the final round of the tournament held in Oslo. The 20-year-old Praggnanandhaa secured the top spot by scoring 18 points. Praggnanandhaa, who was in third place with 15 points when the final round began, won the crucial classical category by winning three points.

The Norway Chess Tournament was started in 2013. This is the second time Praggnanandhaa is partaking in this tournament. Praggnanandhaa has won a title that neither Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand nor the present world champion D Gukesh could win. D Gukesh, who participated in the Norway Chess Championship for the third time, stumbled in the final rounds, but Praggnanandhaa won the prestigious title.

Praggnanandhaa had also defeated former world champion Magnus Carlsen in the tournament. Despite facing a setback in the early stages of the match, Praggnanandhaa came out on top with a good performance. His victories against Alireza Firooja, Carlsen and D Gukesh proved decisive.

Praggnanandhaa also became the second Indian to defeat world number one Magnus Carlsen twice in classical chess in the same tournament. Only legendary player Viswanathan Anand had achieved this feat before. The winner of the Norway Chess Championship will receive approximately Rs 71.75 lakh.