The World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen defeated the teenage wonder from India, R Praggnanandhaa, in the tie-breakers of the final in Baku on Thursday, August 24 to win his first World Cup title. The 32-year-old Carlsen completed his embellished trophy cabinet by winning his maiden World Cup title.
Magnus Carlsen utilized all of his experience to defeat the young Indian who had gained a reputation for being a huge killer while fighting off a case of stomach illness.
Praggnanandhaa became just the second Indian to qualify for the Candidates Tournament after winning the silver medal at the Chess World Cup.
Even though Praggnanandhaa, an 18-year-old from Chennai, lost the major final in Baku, his name will live on in the annals of Indian chess. He was one victory away from joining the Indian legend at the top after being the first Indian after Viswanathan Anand to make it to the final.
Praggnanandhaa is the runner-up of the 2023 FIDE World Cup! 🥈
Congratulations to the 18-year-old Indian prodigy on an impressive tournament! 👏
On his way to the final, Praggnanandhaa beat, among others, world #2 Hikaru Nakamura and #3 Fabiano Caruana! By winning the silver… pic.twitter.com/zJh9wQv5pS— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 24, 2023
