Script History Praggnanandhaa becomes the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour

Indian Grand Master (GM) R Praggnanandhaa, (PTI Photo) Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa produced a remarkable turnaround against Fabian Caruana to win the Grand Chess Tour Final and secure the biggest title of his career in St. Louis on Thursday (local time).Praggnanandhaa erased a six-point deficit earlier in the day, winning both quick games against Caruana before holding his nerve in the blitz section to seal a 15-13 victory.The triumph also saw Praggnanandhaa create history. He became the first Indian player to win the Grand Chess Tour.The win earned the young grandmaster the $200,000 first prize.

Praggnanandhaa erases a six-point deficit

Caruana entered the final day with a convincing six-point lead after classic games. However, Praggnanandhaa fired in the quick section and won both the games, changing the face of the contest completely.With the momentum firmly on his side, the Indian needed to get through the four-match blitz without relinquishing his lead.The opening blitz almost went against Praggnanandhaa. He had chances to win, but made a mistake during the time scramble, which allowed his position to deteriorate. Caruana was unable to find a winning continuation and the game eventually ended in a draw.Praggnanandhaa then managed to keep the match level in the blitz and completed his comeback with a 15-13 aggregate victory.

Caruana soon took control

The final initially looked heavily tilted in Caruana’s favour.Praggnanandhaa lost the first classic match 6-0 leaving him with a significant deficit for the rest of the match.He responded by holding Caruana to a 3-3 draw in the second classic game. Although the result meant that Caruana still held a six-point lead going into the final day, the return of Praggnanandha in the fast games changed everything.

Wesley So finishes third

GM Wesley So also made an impressive comeback in the third-place match against GM Vincent Keymer.The two players split quick games and traded wins before So took complete control in a blitz.So he won all four blitz games to clinch the match with one game remaining and seal an 18-12 victory over Keymer.Praggnanandha’s victory, meanwhile, marked a landmark for Indian chess as he became the country’s first Grand Chess Tour champion.