Our Bureau
St. Louis, MO
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win the prestigious Grand Chess Tour title, defeating American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana 15-13 in a dramatic final in St Louis.
The 21-year-old Chennai-based player produced a stunning comeback after beginning the final day six points behind Caruana. Praggnanandhaa had trailed 3-9 following the classical games but overturned the deficit with a strong performance in the rapid and blitz sections to secure his maiden Grand Chess Tour Finals title.
Caruana, the defending champion, had seized control early in the match, winning the opening classical game before the second ended in a 95-move draw. With the American holding a substantial advantage heading into the final day, Praggnanandhaa needed a major turnaround to keep his title hopes alive.
The Indian Grandmaster delivered exactly that. He won both rapid games on the final day to move ahead 11-9 before maintaining his advantage through the four-game blitz segment. The final score of 15-13 confirmed one of the most significant victories of his career.
The triumph also earned Praggnanandhaa a winner’s purse of $200,000. The victory comes during a remarkable season for the young Grandmaster, who had earlier become the first Indian to win the Norway Chess title. He also recorded victories over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen during that campaign.
Praggnanandhaa’s achievement adds another landmark to India’s growing presence in elite international chess. His comeback against one of the world’s strongest players further underlined his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The victory places Praggnanandhaa in an exclusive position in Indian chess history, while further strengthening the country’s reputation as a growing powerhouse in the global game.