In 2018, a 13-year-old Praggnanandhaa faced off against five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand in a historic Tata Steel Chess India blitz match. Six years later, they met again in the WR Masters quarter-finals in London, marking their first classical encounter.
Praggnanandhaa, now 19, has emerged as a formidable force in the chess world, becoming the second-youngest GM at the time of his triumph in Kolkata. Today, India boasts 85 GMs, a testament to the growth of the sport in the country.
In their recent match, both classical games ended in draws, setting the stage for an intense Armageddon tiebreaker. Praggnanandhaa, with 10 minutes on the clock, faced Anand’s Black pieces and the need for a win.
Praggnanandhaa employed the Scotch opening, surprising Anand with its early aggression. He quickly gained dominance, threatening a check with 22. Qc3 and looming with a possible Rh7 check. Anand, with limited counterplay, found himself out of ideas and resources.
After 26 moves, Anand extended his hand in resignation, acknowledging the victory of his young opponent. This defeat marked a symbolic triumph for Anand’s legacy, as the solo revolution he initiated has now blossomed into a formidable army of Indian chess players.
