NEW DELHI: Indian
chess
prodigy
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
, at just 18 years old, has sent ripples through the international chess community with his stunning victories at the 2024
Norway Chess tournament
.
His remarkable achievement of defeating both the world's top-ranked players,
Magnus Carlsen
and
Fabiano Caruana
, in classical chess has garnered widespread recognition and praise, including accolades from prominent figures like
Gautam Adani
, Chairman of the
Adani Group
.
Praggnanandhaa's triumph began in Round 3 when he toppled five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, a feat that sent shockwaves through the chess world.
He followed this up with another spectacular victory in Round 5, this time against world No. 2 Fabiano Caruana. These consecutive wins against the world's elite cemented his position as a rising star in the sport and propelled him into the top 10 of the International Chess Federation's world rankings.
The official Norway Chess social media accounts were abuzz with excitement, hailing Praggnanandhaa's performance as "mindblowing" and highlighting the significance of defeating both top-ranked players in classical chess for the first time in his career.
Gautam Adani took to social media to express his admiration, calling Praggnanandhaa "incredible" and lauding his achievement of defeating both Carlsen and Caruana.
"Incredible Praggnanandhaa! Beating both World no. 1 Magnus Carlsen and no. 2 Fabiano Caruana in classical chess at #NorwayChess is mindblowing. You’re on a roll and still just 18! Keep the tricolour flying high. All the very best," wrote the Adani Group Chairman.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Praggnanandhaa's sister,
Vaishali
, also a chess prodigy, continued her impressive run at the tournament. She solidified her lead by defeating chess legend
Pia Cramling
, further highlighting the family's exceptional talent and contribution to the world of chess.
Praggnanandhaa's victories at the Norway Chess tournament mark a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His exceptional performance has captivated the chess world, generating immense excitement and anticipation for his future endeavours.
(Inputs from IANS)
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