Chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa achieved a historic milestone by defeating world champion Ding Liren at the TATA Steel Chess Tournament, surpassing Viswanathan Anand as India's new No. 1 Grandmaster. In an unexpected turn, Praggnanandhaa expressed surprise at the ease of his victory over Ding Liren, emphasizing the significance of beating a formidable opponent. Despite a promising start, he remains cautious about future challenges, highlighting the importance of maintaining high energy levels throughout the tournament.

Image Source -www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

In a historic turn of events at the TATA Steel Chess Tournament on January 16, chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa created waves by defeating the reigning world champion, Ding Liren. This victory not only secured Praggnanandhaa's position as a rising star but also propelled him to the coveted title of India's No. 1 Grandmaster, surpassing the seasoned chess veteran, Viswanathan Anand.

Praggnanandhaa's unexpected triumph over Ding Liren took the chess community by surprise, including the young prodigy himself, who admitted to being taken aback by the ease with which he achieved victory. In a statement to Chess.com, Praggnanandhaa shared his thoughts on the match, stating, "I felt I equalized very easily and then somehow things started to go wrong for him. Even after I won the pawn, I felt it should be holdable." He also expressed the joy of securing his first win against a world champion in classical chess, emphasizing the unique challenge such formidable opponents present.

The victory not only symbolizes Praggnanandhaa's individual achievement but also signifies a shift in the landscape of Indian chess. Surpassing the legendary Viswanathan Anand in rankings, Praggnanandhaa has established himself as the new face of Indian chess, showcasing his exceptional skill and strategic prowess on the international stage.

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Despite his success, Praggnanandhaa remains grounded and cautious about the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament. Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged the intriguing nature of the first three games but emphasized the need to maintain high energy levels throughout the competition. Drawing from past experiences, he highlighted the importance of sustained focus, recognizing that a drop in performance can occur even after a strong start.

As the TATA Steel Chess Tournament unfolds, all eyes are on Praggnanandhaa, eager to witness how the young Grandmaster will navigate the remaining matches and further solidify his newfound status as India's chess sensation.