Praggnanandhaa lost the final of the FIDE World Cup to Norway’s Magnus Carlsen on Thursday.
India’s Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa may have lost the FIDE World Cup final to Norway’s Magnus Carlsen on Thursday after an intense three-day competition, but won hearts with congratulatory messages and wishes pouring in for the teenage chess prodigy.
Most Read
Carlen finally managed to win the FIDE World Cup for the first time in his career but not before the 18-year-old teenage prodigy from Tamil Nadu had dragged him through the tie-breaker. Carlsen’s win was confirmed after the second game of the tiebreaker. The two players had played out one draw each on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Pragg, who turned 18 during the World Cup, was the youngest World Cup finalist ever, and is the youngest World Cup winner. Seeded 31, Pragg is also the lowest seed to make the final of the World Cup.
Mahindra Group chairperson Anand Mahindra took to X to motive the teenager as he wrote, “You aren’t the ‘runner-up’ @rpragchess This is simply your ‘run-up’ to Gold and to greatness. Many battles require you to learn & live to fight another day. You’ve learned & you will fight again; and we will all be there again…cheering you on loudly.”
You have exhausted your
monthly limit of free stories.
To continue reading,
simply register or sign in
🌟 Unlock More with an Express Digital Subscription! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that matter. Now at a special price.
This premium article is free for now.
Register to read more free stories and access offers from partners.
🌟 Unlock More with an Express Digital Subscription! 🌟 Dive deeper into the stories that matter. Now at a special price.
This content is exclusive for our subscribers.
Subscribe now to get unlimited access to The Indian Express exclusive and premium stories.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also wished Praggnanandhaa on an incredible tournament. “Congratulations on an incredible tournament, @rpragchess! Keep chasing your dreams and making India proud,” he wrote.
India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also posted a message on X for Praggnanandhaa.
Actor Hrithik Roshan wrote, “Triumph is not limited to the final result. For me, you are a true
CHAMPION! Congratulations @rpragchess for being in top form throughout the #FIDEWorldCupFinal. More power to you, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa!”
Actor Ajay Devgn also posted his wishes and wrote, “The good news just keeps pouring in! Another incredible feat for our nation to celebrate. Congratulations young lad #Praggnanandha, you’ve made each and everyone of us proud!”
Regardless of the final loss, the FIDE World Cup has been an event to savour for the teenager since he also sealed a spot at the prestigious Candidates Tournament. The tournament is held to find a challenger for world champion Ding Liren at the next world chess championship battle.
Thanks to making it to the final, Praggnanandhaa became the third youngest player after the legendary Bobby Fischer and Carlsen to qualify for the Candidates Tournament.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
First published on: 25-08-2023 at 11:03 IST