New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa finished runner up at the Sinquefield Cup in St Louis after losing to American star Wesley So in the decisive Armageddon tiebreak. Despite missing out on the title, Praggnanandhaa ended the event on a strong note and secured top position in the overall Grand Chess Tour standings.
Praggnanandhaa drew his final classical game against Anish Giri of the Netherlands, a result that forced a tiebreak against So, who had remained among the tournament leaders for much of the competition.
The two players first contested two rapid games, with both ending in draws to leave the score level at 1-1. The tournament rules then required an Armageddon game to decide the champion. Praggnanandhaa played with the white pieces and therefore needed to win, while So had the advantage of advancing with a draw as Black.
Praggnanandhaa pushed for victory but was unable to break So’s resilient defence. The game eventually ended in a draw, handing the American the Sinquefield Cup title.
Despite the disappointment, the result capped an impressive campaign for Praggnanandhaa. He accumulated 35.5 points across the Grand Chess Tour season, finishing one point ahead of So in the overall standings. Fabiano Caruana finished third, while Vincent Keymer occupied fourth place.
The top four players in the overall standings qualify for the Grand Chess Tour finale later this year, meaning Praggnanandhaa has secured his place in the season-ending event.
In the final classical round, Praggnanandhaa needed to overcome Giri to strengthen his position, but the Dutch Grandmaster defended accurately when the game reached its critical stages. After several pieces were exchanged, the position became increasingly balanced and the players eventually agreed to a draw.
So, meanwhile, displayed the defensive qualities that have made him one of the most consistent players on the elite circuit. His solid approach allowed him to neutralise the pressure and secure the draw he needed in the Armageddon.
Praggnanandhaa’s second-place finish nevertheless underlines his growing stature at the highest level, with the Indian now heading into the Grand Chess Tour finale as the overall leader.
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