Indian Chess Prodigy Praggnanandhaa Continues Dream Run, Enters FIDE World Cup Last 16

Baku: In an impressive display of skill, young Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa secured a spot in the last 16 of the FIDE World Cup in Baku. The 18-year-old talent celebrated his birthday recently, and he used his skills to stun the second-seeded Hikaru Nakamura, a pre-tournament favourite, in the tie-break games after the classical games ended in draws.

Joining Praggnanandhaa in the last 16 is another promising teenager, D Gukesh, who managed to eliminate Andrey Esipenko. The Indian chess legend, Viswanathan Anand, praised Praggnanandhaa’s impressive performance, and both players are set to face challenging opponents in the next round.

Unfortunately, Nihal Sarin, another Indian contender, faced a tough loss, bowing out of the competition after losing both tie-break games to Ian Nepomniachtchi in the fourth round. However, Indian players Vidit Gujrathi and Arjun Erigaisi had already secured their spots in the last 16, adding to the nation’s success in the tournament.

In the women’s section, Indian chess player D Harika advanced by winning the rapid tie-break against Eline Roebers. On the other hand, Koneru Humpy, the top-ranked Indian women’s player, was ousted by Bella Khotenashvili from Georgia. Despite this, Harika remains the sole Indian player still competing in the women’s event, continuing to represent the country with determination and skill.