R Praggnanandhaa wins World Youth Chess Championship in U-18 category

R Praggnanandhaa emerged as an unconquered king in World Youth Chess Championship in Mumbai, claiming Gold in Under-18 Open category on Saturday. He became first-ever male Chess player to win a World title in category. Praggnanandhaa alrey has title of International Master (IM) and Grandmaster (GM) to his name.

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win

14-year-old Grand Master from Chennai settled for a cautious draw in 11th and final round against Valentin Buckels (Germany) to top charts with nine points. He, however, will also have to thank compatriot, International Master Arjun Kalyan for achieving a crucial draw against top-seeded Shant Sargsyan (Armenia). Praggnanandhaa would have been under pressure if Grand Master Shant h won. But Shant could t unravel a determined Arjun, allowing Praggnanandhaa to annex title. Championship ended on a high te for India, with six or medals, including three silver, coming ir way. Only Under-16 Girls category proved tough for India, although B M Akshaya gave a good account of herself. Akshaya lost medal to Ausha Mahdian, suffering an unexpected defeat to her in final round. But Indian girls in Under-14 segment compensated for it, with Divya Deshmukh and Rakshitta Ravi winning two medals. Top seed Women's International Master Divya, who seemed to be out of contention midway through event, pulled off a well-thought-out victory in last round to clinch silver. Rakshitta too beat overnight leer Bat-Erdene Mungunzul on top board to earn bronze. Kazakhstan's Meruert Kamalideva, however, was star of this category, registering five straight wins to clinch gold. Fide Master L R Srihari (Under-14 Open) and Vantika Agrawal (Under-16 Girls) collected or two silver medals for India, playing out draws in ir respective matches. Vantika h an outside chance of pocketing gold, especially after top seed Polina Shuvalova (8.5) settled for a draw. Vantika, with eight points, however, couldn't beat.

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Or winners

Alexandra Obolentseva of Russia, and finished half a point behind Shuvalova. Srihari (8), who was in contention for gold at start of penultimate day, endured draws in last two rounds to slip to second position. S Maralakshikari won bronze, after beating surprise pack of championship, R Abinandhan. CM Aronyak Ghosh (8) claimed or bronze for country in Under-16 Open category after drawing with Iran's Arash Daghli. He will, however, look back at WYCC as a missed opportunity, after accepting a quick draw in penultimate round.

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