22 February,2022 07:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Manisha Mohite
India GM R Praggnanandhaa. Pic/AFP
Pronouncing Praggnanandhaa perfectly has always been a challenge to the chess world, but it was the challenge on the chequered board, late on Sunday night that reigning world champion, Magnus Carlsen of Norway failed to stave off! Praggu, the precocious 16-year-old became only the third Indian after Viswanathan Anand and Harirkishna to defeat mighty Magnus who is almost cloaked in an aura of invincibility.
An indifferent start, but two huge victories, against Levon Aronian and then Carlsen in the eighth round of the 16/player Airthings Masters Online Rapid Chess tournament and Praggu has Indians roaring and celebrating.
Staying calm after the momentous victory, more memorable since it came with the Black pieces after 39 moves, Praggu quipped: "I just wanted to enjoy playing against him and not put too much pressure on myself." His coach GM RB Ramesh on the other hand, was proud as punch and predicted: "There are four to five promising youngsters trailing and trying to tread on Anand's footsteps and this victory will trigger the next wave of healthy competition. It will give confidence to others that they too can beat a world champion and should prove motivational"
A chess prodigy, Praggu first hit international headlines in 2016 when he defeated GM Alex Bachmann in 18 moves to invite comparisons with the legendary Bobby Fischer. This game was compared with the much loved and celebrated Game of the Century played by 13-year-old Fischer against Donald Byrne.
As is most often the case in rapid games (shorter time control) there were inaccuracies by both Magnus and Praggu in the Tarrasch game. Call it black magic or simply Carlsen walking in the opening into Praggus's strength, Carlsen collapsed on the 32nd turn, trapping his own knight. A stunned Praggu inched closer to his screen almost in disbelief while Carlsen's expression gave his game away.
Praggu, though, is not comfortably perched in the tournament and needs huge victories to make it to the knockout stage. This victory may or may not open the doors to the knockout stage of this tournament, but it will surely motivate him into knocking firmly on the doors of the elites in chess. For those ask, who after Anand, Praggu provides a bright hope.
Viswanathan Anand@vishy64theking: Always proud of our talents! Very good day for @rpragchess
Sachin Tendulkar@sachin_rt: What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced & decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too while playing black, is magical! Best wishes on a long & successful chess career ahead. You've made India proud!
GM GB Ramesh the super coach who has been training prodigies admitted that he went to bed after watching three of Praggus game and it was only early in the morning that he realised that he had missed a magical occasion. He immediately exchanged some humorous dancing meme with Praggu to which the youngster responded with a dancing Tamil meme.
