In the ongoing FIDE World Cup final, Praggnanandhaa lost the first Tie Breaker game against Magnus Carlsen. It was a close clash, but R Praggnanandhaa ended up losing the opening game of the tie-breaker to Magnus Carlsen. It was an amazing late move from Carlsen as he outclassed Praggnanandhaa in their first meeting rapid game over the board.
Earlier game 1 of the Chess World Cup final between World no. 1 Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen of Norway and India's R Praggnanandhaa finished in a draw after 35 moves. The 18-year-old Chess prodigy, Praggnanandhaa has a good chance of sealing victory as he dodged India's legendary Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. Post taking part in the first two classic clashes on Tuesday and Wednesday, the second and final game between the duo is currently undergoing as they eye their maiden World Cup title.
Magnus Carlsen of Norway who is the number one Chess player has won everything in his career so far except a World Cup title while young Praggnanandhaa will try to pull off a heist by defeating Magnus Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa who is playing against Magnus Carlsen for the 20th time outplayed him in February last year at the Airthings Masters but then when it comes to overall records and stats, Carlsen has an edge.
Praggnanandhaa is also the first player from India to reach the Chess World Cup final since Viswanathan Anand, a two-time World Cup winner (2000 and 2002), in the last 21 years.
"I didn't expect to play Magnus in this tournament at all because the only way I could play him was in the final, and I didn't expect to be in the final. I will just try to give my best and see how it goes!," he said after booking a spot in the summit clash.
"It feels really good to qualify for the Candidates; I really wanted to fix this spot."