Chess: R Praggnanandhaa Topples World Champion Ding Liren At Tata Steel Masters, Sachin Tendulkar Hails Chennai-Lad

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a stunning display of strategic brilliance, India's chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa defeated the reigning World Champion Ding Liren in a gripping fourth-round encounter at the prestigious Tata Steel Masters tournament in Wijk aan Zee on Tuesday (January 16).

This remarkable victory not only showcased the young grandmaster's skill but also catapulted him above the legendary Viswanathan Anand as India's top-ranked chess player according to FIDE's live ratings.

Praggnanandhaa's Historic Win

Praggnanandhaa has now etched his name in the annals of chess history as only the second Indian, after Anand, to defeat a reigning world champion in a classical game. Playing with the black pieces, Pragg demonstrated his prowess from the onset, securing his first win in this year's Tata Steel chess event after starting with three draws.

His triumph over Ding, who had clinched the world championship title last year, was reminiscent of their earlier encounter at the same event in 2023, where Pragg also emerged victorious.

Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar took to his handle on X, formerly Twitter, to hail the Tamil Nadu chess prodigy's performance in the ongoing competition and wished him luck for the upcoming challenges.

"Big cheers to @rpraggnachess for this remarkable triumph against World Champion, Ding Liren. At the young age of 18, you haven't just dominated the game but also risen to become India's top-rated player. Best wishes for your upcoming challenges. Continue to bring glory to India on the international stage in chess," posted Tendulkar.

Rising Stars in Indian Chess

The Tata Steel Masters is witnessing fierce competition among Indian grandmasters. While Praggnanandhaa has been making headlines, Gukesh D, another prodigious talent, despite showcasing a striking move against Anish Giri, unfortunately, lost his match.

Gukesh had previously surpassed Anand in the FIDE ratings, becoming the first Indian in 36 years to do so. Meanwhile, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, the third Indian participant, managed a draw against Jorden Van Foreest, placing him seventh in the standings while Gukesh is currently tenth.

Gukesh successfully achieved parity while playing the black side of the English Opening. However, he opted for somewhat straightforward exchanges, seemingly underestimating the risks associated with the resulting position featuring opposite-coloured bishops on the board. The Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri's victory now places him atop the leaderboard as the players head into the first rest day of the Tata Steel Masters.

The rise of young talents like Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, and Vidit signals a new era for Indian chess. As these grandmasters continue to excel on the global stage, they not only inspire the next generation of chess players in India but also renew the country's rich legacy in the sport. With a new world-class player leading the FIDE live ratings, Indian chess fans have much to celebrate and anticipate in the tournaments to come.