Pragg first Indian to win Norway Chess R Praggnanandhaa secured one of the most significant Classical titles of his career by winning the Norway Chess tournament on Friday night. The 20-year-old Indian grandmaster, who had initially fallen out of the leaderboard during the competition, staged a remarkable comeback to claim victory in front of a captivated audience at the Deichman Bjorvika venue. His triumph marked the first time an Indian had won the prestigious event, which is renowned for its traditional format and high-caliber participants. The decisive moment came in the final round when Praggnanandhaa faced Vincent Keymer, a top player in 2026. The match, played with the white pieces, became a turning point for the Indian. Entering the game, Praggnanandhaa was trailing by half a point to Wesley So, the American player who had dominated the tournament. However, So's decision to settle for a draw with Alireza Firouzja in the penultimate round created an opening for Praggnanandhaa. The Indian needed only a win to clinch the title, and he delivered with a masterful performance. The game against Keymer began with a balanced opening, but Praggnanandhaa gradually gained an advantage. While the position appeared non-critical according to chess engines, the Indian's strategic choices proved decisive. As the game progressed into the endgame, Keymer made a series of small errors, allowing Praggnanandhaa to exploit the weaknesses in his position. A critical move, 30) h5, initiated a sequence where Keymer lost his rook to an exchange sacrifice. This pivotal moment shifted the balance of power, leaving the German with a weakened position. In the subsequent endgame, Praggnanandhaa held a clear advantage, possessing a rook and knight against Keymer's bishop and knight.#wesley_so #vincent_keymer #alireza_firouzja #norway_chess #praggnanandhaa_r
