FIDE Chess World Cup Final: Praggnanandhaa Holds His Own Against Carlsen to Secure Draw in First Game

Baku: India’s R Praggnanandhaa drew with Magnus Carlsen in the first game of the FIDE Chess World Cup final in Baku.

The 18-year-old played with white pieces and the two players engaged in a strategic battle. Both sides carefully considered each move and eventually agreed to a draw after 35 moves.

The first game of the #FIDEWorldCup final between Praggnanandhaa and Magnus Carlsen ends in a draw after 35 moves.
Magnus will be White in tomorrow's second classical game.

📷 Stev Bonhage pic.twitter.com/UXpcbQxIfN

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 22, 2023

The final is played over a best-of-12 format, with two classical games followed by rapid, blitz, and Armageddon games if necessary.

Expressing his sentiment, Praggnanandhaa remarked, “Playing against Magnus was unexpected, but I’ll give it my best in the final. Qualifying for the Candidates feels fantastic; this was my goal.”

Praggnanandhaa is the youngest player to reach the final since 2013 and his performance has been one of the highlights of the tournament. He defeated Fabiano Caruana in the semifinals to secure his place.

The Indian prodigy is also the third youngest player, alongside Bobby Fischer and Carlsen, to qualify for the Candidates Tournament.

The next game of the final will be played on Wednesday.