Indian Prodigy R Praggnanandhaa Advances to FIDE World Cup Final, Set to Face Carlsen

Baku: Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has clinched a remarkable victory over World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana, securing his spot in the final of the FIDE World Cup to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The 17-year-old Grandmaster displayed exceptional prowess, prevailing over the American player with a score of 3.5-2.5 in a gripping tiebreaker.

In an earlier intense encounter, Praggnanandhaa triumphed over fellow Indian talent Arjun Erigaisi in a sudden death tiebreak, solidifying his place in the semifinals. His outstanding performance has earned him a place in next year’s Candidates event, a feat achieved only by the legendary five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in India.

With this impressive run, Praggnanandhaa is set to face the reigning World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen, in the title showdown. The young prodigy’s victory has garnered global attention, especially after he caused a major upset by eliminating American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura in the tiebreakers earlier in the tournament.