R Praggnanandhaa becomes first Indian to win Grand Chess Tour

R Praggnanandhaa, a 21‑year‑old Indian Grandmaster, became the first player from India to claim the Grand Chess Tour title on Thursday, completing a comeback victory in the 2026 series. After dropping the opening classical game, he rallied to defeat United States Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana in the deciding encounter.

Final Match Recap

Praggnanandhaa lost the first classical game but bounced back by drawing the second classical encounter. Trailing by six points before the rapid and blitz segment, he surged ahead by winning both rapid games, earning eight points and taking the lead for the first time in the contest. The blitz portion saw the two players share the four games, each winning one and splitting the other two draws. The decisive moment arrived when Praggnanandhaa edged Caruana in the third blitz game, restoring a two‑point margin. A win for Caruana in the final blitz game would have forced additional games under a special time control and potential armageddon, but Praggnanandhaa held firm to finish 15‑13 in his favour.

The Indian ace noted that he did not anticipate many chances on the day, adding that securing two wins from Fabiano Caruana in the rapid phase proved crucial. The two‑point advantage he carried into the final blitz session proved decisive in the outcome.

Season Highlights

• Praggnanandhaa also claimed the Norway Chess crown earlier this year, defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen twice during that campaign.
• He triumphed at the St Louis Rapid and Blitz and finished runner‑up on tie‑break at the Sinquefield Cup.
• His victory this week secured a place in the 2027 Grand Chess Tour, alongside Caruana and Wesley So.

Third‑Place Contest

American Grandmaster Wesley So outplayed Germany’s Vincent Keymer, winning the match 18‑12 to claim third place in the tour.

Final Standings

Praggnanandhaa earned USD 200,000 for his overall triumph.

Source

This report is based on information published by The Bridge — Chess.

Official source: https://thebridge.in/chess/praggnanandhaa-first-idnian-grand-chess-tour-win-57388