R Praggnanandhaa: 7 things to know about Chess Grandmaster

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, often known simply as Praggnanandhaa, is an Indian chess prodigy who gained international recognition at a young age due to his exceptional chess skills. All eyes will be on him today in the thrilling face-off with Magnus Carlsen, after the Chess World Cup final's two undecided games. Here we list some facts and achievements about the second-youngest Grandmaster.

R Praggnanandhaa grabbed everybody's attention in 2013 when he won his maiden trophy at the Youth Chess Championships in Al-Ain (UAE).

In 2016, R Praggnanandhaa became the youngest International Master in 2016. He was just 10 years, 10 months and 19 days old when he attained this momentous feat.

R Praggnanandhaa's triumph over Norwegian World Champion Magnus Carlsen in 2022 made him only third Indian to beat the World Champion. He achieved this feat at the Airthings Masters 2022.

R Praggnanandhaa is also the youngest player ever to defeat the World Champion Magnus Carlsen.

R Praggnanandhaa is only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to reach the final of a Chess World Cup.

R Praggnanandhaa is the only second Indian to reach FIDE World Cup final. He went through the final by beating World No 3 Fabiano Caruana in the tie-breaker of the FIDE World Cup semi-finals.

Praggnanandhaa is also the first Indian to qualify for the Candidates tournament since 2016.