In a sensational upset, 16-year-old Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen in the ninth round of the Aimchess US Rapid online chess tournament on Sunday. Praggnanandhaa, ranked 40th in the world, outplayed the Norwegian legend with the black pieces in a complex Sicilian defence game. Praggnanandhaa checkmated Carlsen in 54 moves and earned a standing ovation from the commentators and fans.
Praggnanandhaa became only the third Indian player to beat Carlsen in a classical or rapid game, after Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna. Carlsen, who is still leading the standings, praised Praggnanandhaa’s performance and said he was impressed by his talent and creativity.
Carlsen, widely regarded as the greatest chess player of all time, has dominated the chess world for over a decade. He became the world champion in 2013 and has defended his title four times. He also holds the record for the highest rating ever achieved in chess history.
Praggnanandhaa, who became the second youngest grandmaster in history at 12, has been making waves in the chess circuit with his impressive results and creative style. He has also won several prestigious tournaments, including the Polgar Challenge and the Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour. He is considered one of the brightest prospects of Indian chess and a potential future world champion.
