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
Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Claims Norway Chess 2026 Title with Final-Round Victory Indian prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa secured his first major title in the prestigious Norway Chess 2026 tournament after a dramatic final-round victory over German grandmaster Vincent Keymer on June 5, 2026. The 20-year-old player clinched the championship with a score of 18 points, finishing one ahead of American Wesley So, who ended with 17 points. Praggnanandhaa’s decisive win in the 10th and final round at Deichman Bjorvika marked a historic moment as he became the first Indian to claim the tournament’s top prize. The tournament saw a remarkable turnaround for Praggnanandhaa, who had slipped to the bottom of the leaderboard after a mid-tournament slump. However, he staged a stunning resurgence, winning four consecutive classical games to overtake Wesley So, who had been the overnight leader. So’s chances of winning the title were effectively ended after his game against French grandmaster Alireza Firouzja ended in a draw, preventing Firouzja from securing a podium finish. The stalemate between So and Firouzja also meant Firouzja could not overtake So’s position. Praggnanandhaa’s ascent to the top of the standings was further solidified when he defeated World Champion D. Gukesh in the penultimate round, moving into second place behind So. His performance in the final round was particularly impressive, as he outplayed Keymer to seal the victory. Speaking after the match, Praggnanandhaa reflected on his journey, stating, “I didn’t think about this when I lost two games in a row—I just wanted to play chess.” The tournament’s final round also saw Wesley So claim the second spot by defeating Firouzja in an Armageddon tiebreak, securing 17 points. Meanwhile, World No.#praggnanandhaa #wesley_so #vincent_keymer #norway_chess_2026 #indian_grandmaster
Javokhir Sindarov to Compete Against World Grandmasters in Romania From May 14 to 23, the Romanian capital, Bucharest, will host the second leg of the international "Grand Chess Tour 2026" — the "2026 Super Chess Classic Romania" tournament. This prestigious event will bring together 10 of the world’s top grandmasters, including notable players such as Fabiano Caruana, Anish Giri, Vincent Keymer, Alireza Firouzja, and Wesley So. Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov, ranked 5th globally with a rating of 2776, will represent his country in the competition. Sindarov’s inclusion in the tournament marks a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his rapid rise in the chess world. His current rating of 2776 underscores his consistent performance and growing reputation as a formidable player. The tournament, which begins on May 14 at 18:00 Tashkent time, will serve as a critical test for Sindarov, who will face some of the most elite competitors in the sport. The event’s prize fund of $475,000 further highlights its status as a high-stakes competition, drawing top-tier talent from around the globe. The "Super Chess Classic Romania" is expected to deliver intense matches and strategic battles, with each game carrying immense weight for the participants. For Sindarov, the tournament represents more than just a chance to earn points or prize money; it is an opportunity to solidify his position among the world’s elite. His performance in Bucharest will be closely watched by chess enthusiasts, who anticipate bold moves and dramatic outcomes. The tournament’s organizers have emphasized its role as a platform for showcasing the highest level of chess competition.#fabiano_caruana #javokhir_sindarov #anish_giri #vincent_keymer #alireza_firouzja
