Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu made history by winning the Norway Chess championship, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. In the final round, he defeated Germany’s Vincent Keymer, securing both the prestigious title and the top prize of $100,000. Praggnanandhaa finished the tournament with 18 points, including five wins, two losses, and two draws.
With a strategic play in the middle-game, Praggnanandhaa capitalized on Keymer’s mistakes to secure victory on the 45th move. He outperformed Wesley So, the overnight leader, by finishing a point ahead with 17 points. The tournament’s unique scoring format awarded three points for a win, one for a draw, and a bonus point for winning the Armageddon game.
Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable comeback saw him rise from sixth place after the sixth round to clinch the title with a series of impressive wins. His exceptional performance included defeating World No.1 Magnus Carlsen twice during the event, showcasing his skill and determination in the competition.
