R Praggnanandhaa Becomes first Indian to win Norway Chess title

Why in News?

Indian chess Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa created history by becoming the first Indian player to win the prestigious Norway Chess title in Oslo, Norway.

Historic Achievement

• Praggnanandhaa secured the championship with a crucial final-round classical victory over Vincent Keymer.
• Starting the day in third place, he scored three points from the win to finish with 18 points and clinch the title.
• The achievement is particularly significant as it is the first time an Indian player has won Norway Chess since the tournament’s inception in 2013.

Significance for Indian Chess

• The feat had eluded Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand and reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in previous editions of the tournament.
• Praggnanandhaa achieved this milestone while competing in Norway Chess for only the second time.

Key Highlights of the Tournament

• Praggnanandhaa delivered an impressive performance throughout the event, including two classical-game victories over world number one Magnus Carlsen.
• In the final standings, Wesley So finished second with 17 points after defeating Alireza Firouzja in an Armageddon tie-break.
• Firouzja secured third place with 15.5 points.
• World Champion Gukesh endured a disappointing campaign, while Carlsen finished fourth with 13 points.