Chennai lad is India’s youngest GM

New Delhi, June 24

R Praggnanandhaa has become the country's youngest and the world's second youngest Grand Master at the age of 12 years, 10 months and 13 days. On Sunday, he won the final round against Dutch GM Roeland Pruijssers and finished second in the 4th Gredine Open held in Italy. Scoring 7.5 points out of a total of 9, Praggnanandhaa (ELO rating 2,529) tied for the first position with Croatian GM Ivan Saric (ELO 2,685) but was placed second in the tiebreak score.

“It was a tough tournament. I played the tournament in a normal manner and did not aim for the top slot,” said Praggnanandhaa. “I felt very happy on getting the final GM norm. Now the world chess body (FIDE) has to give the final nod for me to put the GM title before my name.” 

The tournament turned out to be a twin delight for Praggnanandhaa as he became the second youngest chess player to become a GM. Ukraine's Serget Karjakin remains the youngest ever GM, having achieved the feat at the age of 12 years and seven months in 2002.

“We are happy with the results. Praggnanandhaa got his GM norm and finished at the top jointly with another player,” said his father Ramesh Babu. Praggnanandhaa's sister Vaishali is also a International Women Master and has won the world Under-14 and 12 titles previously. Looking back, Babu said: “It all started when we put Vaishali in a chess coaching school. Seeing Vaishali play at home, Praggnanandhaa also got interested. Soon the two started playing together inside our home, and started winning tournaments outside.” 

Deconstructing Praggnanandhaa's style of play, RB Ramesh, the Indian chess Olympiad team coach, said: “His style can be described as universal style, neither aggressive nor defensive; he makes the moves that are needed. He is strong in the middle and end game. Now that he has become a GM, Praggnanandhaa has to focus on his opening and time management.” — IANS