New Delhi:
In a thrilling culmination to the 87th Tata Steel Masters, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa from India clinched the coveted title in a heart-stopping tiebreaker against world champion D Gukesh. This victory marks a significant milestone in Praggnanandhaa’s career, underscoring India’s burgeoning dominance in international chess.
The final day of the tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh facing setbacks in the 13th round. Despite his exhaustion and nerves, the 19-year-old from Chennai managed to overcome these challenges to secure his first Tata Steel Masters title.
The Path to Victory
The 87th Tata Steel Chess tournament concluded on Sunday, February 2, 2025, with Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh tied at 8.5 points each, necessitating a tiebreaker to determine the champion. The day began with intense matches, as Praggnanandhaa lost to Vincent Keymer of Germany, while Gukesh fell to fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi.
The tiebreaker was a three-game showdown that tested the mettle of both young grandmasters. Praggnanandhaa, despite losing the first game due to a critical blunder that cost him a full rook, regrouped and won the next two games. The first game saw Gukesh capitalize on Praggnanandhaa’s mistake, but the latter’s resilience and strategic play turned the tables in the subsequent games.
The final game went into sudden death, with Praggnanandhaa drawing white and facing an initially better position for Gukesh. However, Gukesh’s errors in the endgame allowed Praggnanandhaa to seize the opportunity, ultimately securing the title. This dramatic win highlighted Praggnanandhaa’s technical prowess and mental fortitude under pressure.
This achievement is the most significant in Praggnanandhaa’s career to date, solidifying his position among the world’s top chess players. Gukesh, who had previously lost a tiebreaker to Wei Yi in the last edition, once again fell short in the tiebreaker, despite his strong performance throughout the tournament.
The 87th edition of the Tata Steel Masters, held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, witnessed an exhilarating finale that will be remembered for years to come, marking another chapter in India’s rising chess legacy.
