16-year-old Indian Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa beats Carlsen in the Airthings Masters Chess Tournament. He beat the five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen on Sunday.
It was an intense match as the former champion tried to fight back five times, however sooner it became apparent that Pragg has won. It took about 39 moves before the game ended. Pragg became the youngest player to beat Magnus Carlsen since he took the title in 2013. He is also the third Indian grandmaster to beat Carlsen since Viswanathan Anand and Pentala Harikrishna.
“I’m just very happy,” Pragg said afterward. Since the tournament is ongoing, there will be no celebrations for him yet.
Pragg is the youngest international master in history earning the title in 2016 at the age of 10. Many have predicted that he will be a contender in the coming years.
Sachin Tendulkar, the world’s greatest batter, has expressed his congratulations to the young chess master. “What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced & decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too while playing black, is magical!” Tendulkar wrote.
“Best wishes on a long & successful chess career ahead. You’ve made India proud!”
Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi ranks as number 1 in the Airthings Masters standings. He is closely followed by Carlsen. Only eight players will make it on the next round after a round-robin preliminary.