Garry Kasparov, the former World Chess Champion and Russian chess grandmaster, praised Indian grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.
Indian grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, who advanced to the FIDE World Cup final in Baku, Azerbaijan, with ease, has received congratulations from Russian grandmaster and former world champion in chess, Garry Kasparov. In order to get to the FIDE World Cup final, Praggnanandhaa defeated World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana. His mother was in attendance to see her son’s victory. Kasparov wished the Indian Grand Master well for his outstanding performance and described his mother’s encouragement as “a special kind of support.” “To @rpragchess—and his mother—congratulations. From someone whose proud mother has gone to every function with me, it’s a unique form of assistance! Two New York cowboys were vanquished by the Chennai Indian! In trying situations, he has shown incredible tenacity,” Kasparov tweeted.
After tiebreaks, the Indian chess prodigy defeated the American opponent 3.5-2.5. And for the title match, he’ll take on World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.
Earlier on Thursday, Praggnanandhaa secured his spot in the semifinals by defeating fellow countryman Arjun Erigaisi 5-4 in a sudden death tie-break. Praggnanandhaa, 17, has already guaranteed his place in the Candidates event for the following year.
Praggnanandhaa made history by making it to the FIDE World Cup final. His coach, RB Ramesh, acknowledged his deep delight in Praggnanandhaa’s outstanding achievement in the international competition and voiced optimism about Prag’s chances given the opening ideas that were discussed.
“That he has been playing so brilliantly in this World Cup and has advanced to the World Cup final makes me very proud. He is the youngest to have done so, from what I’ve heard. Coach Ramesh told ANI, “He is the only Indian to advance to the final as well.
On Tuesday, the FIDE World Cup final matches will commence chess.
