Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa for becoming the first Indian to clinch the prestigious Norway Chess title. Modi praised Praggnanandhaa’s achievement as a testament to his consistent excellence on the global chess stage. The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for Praggnanandhaa’s future endeavors following his historic win in Oslo.
Praggnanandhaa’s victory in Oslo was marked by a remarkable comeback, notably defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round to secure the championship. Despite starting the last round half a point behind Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa capitalized on So’s draw against Alireza Firouzja to emerge victorious. His win over Keymer in the 10th round propelled him to the top spot, surpassing the American player by a point and earning a prize of $100,000.
The young Grandmaster’s triumph was even more impressive considering his position after the sixth round, where he was at the bottom of the table. However, Praggnanandhaa staged a phenomenal comeback by winning his last four classical games, including victories against top players like Magnus Carlsen and D Gukesh. His consecutive wins set a new record at Norway Chess, showcasing his exceptional skill and determination.
Praggnanandhaa’s strategic play against Keymer in the final round demonstrated his ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes and convert them into a decisive victory. This win marked a significant resurgence for Praggnanandhaa, who had recently dropped to 16th in the world rankings. With Carlsen finishing fourth in the tournament, Praggnanandhaa’s stellar performance solidified his position as a rising star in the world of chess.
