Tata Steels Chess Event: With a Marvellous Victory, Praggnanandhaa Surpasses Vishwanathan Anand as India’s Chess Genius

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, an Indian teenager Praggnanandhaa won a victory over Chinese origin, Ding Liren, who was a three-time Chinese Chess Champion. Meanwhile, the tournament was a fourth-round clash at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk Aan Zee on Tuesday.

Owing to the win, Praggnanadha was able to leave behind five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand as the country’s top-ranked chess player in the FIDE’s live ratings achieving a live rating of 2748.3 while Anand is still at 2748. 

Along with the FIDE’s live ratings, he became the second Indian after Anand to win over the reigning world champion in classical chess.

Opting for the black pieces, Pragg won the whip hand on the board from the start. Meanwhile, this was his first victory at the Tata Steel Chess Event eventually after three draws back to back. Not only this, but Praggnanandhaa won a victory over Ding at the same event with black pieces, back in January 2023. Besides, previously, Ding was ranked World No.2 and was preparing for his participation in the Candidates Tournament.

At Wijk Aan Zee, Ding made his participation in a rare tournament after winning the world championship crown in 2023 by winning a victory over Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi.

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On the other hand, India’s Gukesh who was announced as the first Indian chess player to lead over Vishwanathan Anand in 36 years in FIDE ratings, unfortunately lost his encounter with Anish Giri.

Owing to his marvellous victory, Anish Giri ranks first on the leaderboard heading into the first rest day at the Tata Steel Masters Chess Event. On the other hand, Pragg is ranked in the third spot while Gukesh captures the 10th spot.