R Praggnanandhaa has etched his name in Indian chess history by winning the UzChess Cup Masters 2025
The Final Gambit: Praggnanandhaa’s Path to Victory
R Praggnanandhaa’s journey to the top of Indian chess reached a dramatic crescendo at the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Entering the final round trailing the leader, the 19-year-old prodigy delivered a masterclass with the Black pieces against Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov, securing a must-win game to force a three-way tie at the top.
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The tournament’s final standings saw Praggnanandhaa, Abdusattorov, and Javokhir Sindarov all finish with 5.5 points. What followed was a tense double round-robin blitz tiebreaker, where all three players ended with two points each. In the second tiebreaker, Praggnanandhaa edged ahead with 1.5 points, clinching the title in a nail-biting finish.
This victory wasn’t just about silverware, it catapulted Praggnanandhaa to a live Elo rating of 2778.3, making him World No. 4 and India’s No. 1, leapfrogging D Gukesh (2776.6) and Arjun Erigaisi (2775.7).
A New Era: India’s Chess Throne Changes Hands
Praggnanandhaa’s rise marks a symbolic passing of the torch in Indian chess. For decades, Viswanathan Anand was the undisputed king. Then came a new wave, Gukesh, Erigaisi, and now, Praggnanandhaa, who has emerged as the face of India’s next generation of chess excellence.
This is Praggnanandhaa’s third major title in 2025, following his victories at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament and the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Classic in Romania. Earlier this month, he also finished runner-up at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial.
His coach, RB Ramesh, credited the win to a shift in mindset. “We discussed being more adventurous. You can see that now,” he said, highlighting the teen’s growing confidence and tactical maturity.
Even five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand acknowledged the moment, writing, “Of all his wins this year, this one seemed the least likely with just two rounds to go… He is deservedly the new number four in the chess world and the highest rated player in India”.
Beyond the Board: What This Means for Indian Chess
Praggnanandhaa’s ascent is more than a personal milestone it’s a national moment. His success reflects the strength of India’s chess ecosystem, from grassroots academies to elite coaching and international exposure.
Key takeaways:
- Youth dominance: At just 19, Praggnanandhaa is among the youngest ever to break into the world’s top 5.
- Global recognition: His consistent performances have earned praise from legends like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.
- Inspiration for the next wave: His journey from Chennai’s chess clubs to global podiums is inspiring a new generation of Indian players.
With India set to host major international tournaments in the coming years, Praggnanandhaa’s rise couldn’t be more timely. He’s not just a player, he’s a symbol of India’s growing stature in the global chess arena.
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