Praggnanandhaa tops Keymar to clinch Norway Chess crown

Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu produced a stunning late surge to win the Norway Chess title, becoming the first Indian champion at the prestigious super tournament. The 20 year old from Chennai defeated Germany’s Vincent Keymar in the 10th and final round of the classical event on June 5 to complete one of the greatest comebacks seen in elite chess.

Playing with the white pieces, Praggnanandhaa punished Keymar’s mistakes in the middle game and sealed victory on move 45, finishing with 18 points from five wins, two losses and two draws, both backed by Armageddon wins. His result left him a full point ahead of overnight leader Wesley So, who drew with Alireza Firouzja to end on 17 points.

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen beat reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the final round but could not catch the Indian, closing on 13 points after four losses, including two against Praggnanandhaa. Remarkably, Pragg had been last after round six before reeling off four consecutive wins, a blistering streak that powered him to the title and the 100,000 dollar top prize.