New Delh: Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has added another major achievement to his growing list of international successes by winning the Grand Chess Tour St. Louis Rapid and Blitz title.
The 20 year old secured the championship with a round still remaining after drawing against Javokhir Sindarov in the penultimate round. Praggnanandhaa finished on 23 points out of a possible 35, ending the competition 1.5 points clear of the rest of the field.
The victory marks a significant milestone in his career as it is his first title in a Rapid and Blitz event. His consistent performances across the tournament allowed him to build a commanding lead before the final round.
Praggnanandhaa’s latest triumph comes only weeks after another landmark victory. In June, he won Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo after defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round.
The Indian Grandmaster produced a remarkable finish in that tournament, winning four consecutive classical games to complete a dramatic comeback and claim one of the biggest titles of his career.
His recent run of form has further established Praggnanandhaa as one of the leading young players on the international chess circuit. The Chennai born Grandmaster has continued to make an impact against some of the strongest players in the world.
Following his Norway Chess triumph, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay felicitated Praggnanandhaa at the Chief Secretariat in Chennai. The state government also presented him with a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh through the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu.
The felicitation ceremony also featured a friendly chess game between the Chief Minister and the young Grandmaster.
With the St. Louis title now added to his Norway Chess success, Praggnanandhaa continues to strengthen his reputation as one of India’s brightest stars in global chess.
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