Praggnanandhaa overcome world champion| Defeat Ding Liren
Praggnanandhaa’s victory also allowed him to pass five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand as the nation’s top-ranked chess player according to the FIDE’s live ratings.
Defending World Champion Ding Liren was upset by Indian teenager Praggnanandhaa on Tuesday in a fourth-round match at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee.
With a rating of 2748.3, Praggnanandhaa has surpassed five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand to become the nation’s top-ranked chess player according to the FIDE’s live ratings. Anand’s rating is 2748. The published ratings are made public by FIDE at the beginning of every month.
After Anand, Pragg was the second Indian player to beat the current world champion in classical chess.
Pragg started with the advantage on the board because he was playing with black pieces. After three ties in the Tata Steel chess tournament this year, this was his first victory in four rounds. Interestingly, on January 17, 2023, Praggnanandhaa had also won against Ding at the same event using black pieces. Ding was the World No. 2 at the time and was getting ready for the Candidates event.
After overcoming Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi to win the world title last year, Ding is participating in a unique tournament at Wijk aan Zee.
In the meantime, Gukesh, who had defeated Anand to become India’s top player in the FIDE published ratings for the first time in 36 years the previous year, lost to Anish Giri.
The Triumph Over Ding Liren
The defining moment came in the fourth round of the Tata Steel Masters tournament when Praggnanandhaa faced off against Ding Liren, the current world champion. Despite being the underdog in the match, Praggnanandhaa displayed exceptional skill and determination, outsmarting his formidable opponent. The victory not only catapulted Praggnanandhaa to the top of the Indian chess rankings but also marked him as only the second Indian player, after Anand, to defeat a reigning world champion in classical chess.
In an interview with Chess.com, Praggnanandhaa expressed his surprise at how the game unfolded. He stated, “I felt I equalized very easily and then somehow things started to go wrong for him. Even after I won the pawn I felt it should be holdable.” This win against a world champion holds a special place for Praggnanandhaa, as he acknowledged the difficulty of defeating such a strong player.
Surpassing Anand: A Moment of Pride
The achievement of becoming India’s number one ranked chess player is not one that Praggnanandhaa takes lightly. It is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent. With this milestone, he has surpassed the iconic Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, who has been a role model for countless aspiring Indian chess players.
Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, also congratulated Praggnanandhaa on his achievement. Adani praised the young prodigy, stating, “Tremendously proud of your achievement, Pragg. What an astonishing moment, defeating the reigning World Champion Ding Liren of China and becoming India’s top-rated player. This is truly a proud moment for our nation!”
The Rise of Praggnanandhaa
Praggnanandhaa’s meteoric rise in the world of chess is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the game. At just 18 years old, he has already achieved numerous milestones that have propelled him into the international spotlight. In 2023, he became the youngest chess player in history to reach the World Cup final, a remarkable feat in itself. This achievement showcased Praggnanandhaa’s ability to compete at the highest level and solidified his position as one of the most promising young talents in the chess world.
Support from the Adani Group
Praggnanandhaa’s journey has been bolstered by the support of the Adani Group, a prominent conglomerate committed to nurturing and promoting sporting talent in India. The Adani Group recognized Praggnanandhaa’s exceptional potential and decided to back him, providing him with the resources and support necessary to reach new heights in his chess career. Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his pride in supporting Praggnanandhaa, stating, “We are extremely proud to support the dynamic Praggnanandhaa. The speed and efficiency with which he has progressed in the sport is nothing short of remarkable, and truly an example to all Indians.”
Challenges and Ambitions
While Praggnanandhaa’s recent victory and rise to the top of the Indian chess rankings are undoubtedly remarkable, he remains grounded and focused on the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledges that maintaining consistency and high performance throughout a tournament is crucial. Reflecting on his current form, Praggnanandhaa stated, “I think I am playing well, but it was the same case last year. There was a point when I was playing really well, and then my play dropped quite badly, so I think it’s really important to keep the energy high till the end of the tournament.”
The Tata Steel Masters Tournament
The Tata Steel Masters Tournament, held annually in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, is one of the most prestigious events in the world of chess. It attracts top-level players from around the globe, providing a platform for fierce competition and the opportunity to showcase their skills. Praggnanandhaa’s triumph over Ding Liren at this renowned tournament has marked him as a rising star in the chess world.
Praggnanandhaa’s Impact on Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s rise to the top has not only elevated his own status but has also brought renewed attention to Indian chess. His victories against world-class opponents and his consistent performances on the international stage have shone a spotlight on the immense talent and potential that exists within the Indian chess community. Praggnanandhaa’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring young players, motivating them to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in the game.
Conclusion
R Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable journey from a young chess prodigy to India’s number one ranked chess player is a testament to his exceptional talent, hard work, and unwavering determination. His victory over the reigning world champion Ding Liren at the Tata Steel Masters tournament has placed him firmly in the spotlight and has solidified his position as one of the most promising young talents in the chess world. As Praggnanandhaa continues to make waves in the international chess scene, he carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation, inspiring future generations of chess players to push the boundaries of excellence
