NEW DELHI: Indian chess player Praggnanandhaa, who defeated world chess champion Magnus Carlsen, has been felicitated by celebrities. 16-year old Praggnanandhaa, defeated world number one Carlsen at the Airthings Masters, an online rapid chess tournament, on Monday morning. He won with black pieces in 39 moves in a Tarrasch variation game to halt Carlsen's run of three straight wins.
The Indian GM lies in joint 12th spot after eight rounds with eight points. His spectacular win over Carlsen comes after a moderate run in the earlier rounds, which included a solitary victory over Lev Aronian, two draws and four defeats.
Bravo Praggnanandhaa!! 👏👏👏
— Chess.com - India (@chesscom_in) February 21, 2022
Indian GM @rpragchess scored a stunning victory over World Champion Magnus Carlsen at the Airthings Masters yesterday! ✅✅✅#AirthingsMasters #ChessChamps #MagnusCarlsen #Praggnanandhaa pic.twitter.com/4wujOsDDLM
Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and chess player Viswanathan Anand were among those who lauded Praggnanandhaa. Tendulkar said on Twitter that defeating world number one Carlsen was a big deal, but the fact that the achievement was made by playing with black pieces adds to the significance of the victory. Former world number one Viswanathan Anand has said that he is very proud of India's future players.
Always proud of our talents! Very good day for @rpragchess https://t.co/vIcFUwAzmZ
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) February 21, 2022
What a wonderful feeling it must be for Pragg. All of 16, and to have beaten the experienced & decorated Magnus Carlsen, and that too while playing black, is magical!
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 21, 2022
Best wishes on a long & successful chess career ahead. You’ve made India proud! pic.twitter.com/hTQiwznJvX