'Nation is proud of you': India shows it's admiration for chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa

The FIDE Chess World Cup saw Indian chess prodigy, R Praggnanandhaa, going against Magnus Carlsen in a must-win battle for the championship win. The 18-year-old going against the World's number one is certainly a challenging feat, but the Indian Grand Master became an enormous boulder for Carlsen in the game. However, the Norwegian had the better edge and became the champion in today's tiebreaker. 

3 things you need to know

• Praggnanandhaa defeated Fabiano Caruana to set up the final
• He battled Magnus Carlsen in the Final
• Carlsen became the Champ after defeating Pragg in today's tiebreaker

Netizens applaud Praggnanandhaa after his superior performance against Carlsen 

The R Praggnanandhaa vs Magnus Carlsen became a nail-biting matchup as the young Indian made it look like he would take the edge. The Chess World Cup match-up certainly had the viewers gripped. But Carlsen took a last-moment leap over Pragg, which eventually gave the Norwegian the upper hand over Praggnanandhaa.

Praggnanandhaa stood second in the FIDE Chess World Cup final, and he was the runner-up while Fabiano Caruana stood third. Despite the loss, netizens showered praise on the 18-year-old for his determination to reach the finals against Carlsen.

Well played pragg @rpragchess Sky is limit for you #FIDEWorldCup pic.twitter.com/S4S4Y65K7Y

— सत्तू जी 🌹 (@77thHundredwhnx) August 24, 2023

Chin up, Pragg. We're always going to be proud of you! 💙#FIDEWorldCup pic.twitter.com/nrevUYUMJZ

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) August 24, 2023

Well done @rpragchess . Whole nation is proud of you.#praggnanandha pic.twitter.com/aLqrUmGwYv

— Aryan (@Aryan90007319) August 24, 2023

It's okay #Praggnanandhaa, you could not win the game, but you have definitely won the hearts of crores of people.

Keep it up future champ! pic.twitter.com/XXrbxD0mkm

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) August 24, 2023

Magnus is the undisputed GOAT, well played Pragg❤️ #FIDEWorldCup #praggnanandha pic.twitter.com/OfVlj5Js5B

— Nemit (@gnemit) August 24, 2023

Pragg and Carlsen gave a tough battle in FIDE Chess WC

After a keenly contested first game, the second game was a rather tame affair with Praggnanandhaa falling behind quickly and agreeing to a draw, which meant that Blitz was not required.

The two classical games on Tuesday and Wednesday had ended in draws, stretching the final into a tie-break.

Carlsen, who had been under the weather due to food poisoning and did not look at his best in the first classical game, showed why he is so tough to get past with his remarkable comeback in the tie-break.

(With PTI Inputs)