NAGPUR: Indian teenage chess sensation Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has many firsts in his career so far. In his second World Cup, the 18-year-old stunned two of the top three ranked masters and earned the right to face the champion of many battles, world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen, in the final.
In their previous meeting of the classical format, Praggu forced the 30-year-old Carlsen to split the point while surprising the former world champion in an official online tournament last year.
At the Airthings Masters in February last year, Praggu defeated Carlsen in the 8th round of the online competition. He became the youngest player to defeat Carlsen in a chess game since the latter was crowned world champion in 2013.
After the draw of the FIDE World Cup was released, Praggu and his coach RB Ramesh had prepared till the Round of 16 as the Chennai boy was likely to be paired up with American world No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura (Elo 2780 in live ratings). However, the young Indian took bold steps and scripted history by making it to the final. The prodigious Praggnanandhaa defeated No. 2 Fabiano Caruana (live Elo rating 2789) in the tiebreak to set up a date with Carlsen while also becoming the youngest to play the Candidates tournament.
In the World Cup so far in Baku, Azerbaijan, Carlsen has utilized his opening advantage well and won as many as six games with white pieces. While defending with the black pieces, Carlsen recorded just three victories on his way to reach the final in six matches. In contrast, Praggnanandhaa has a very balanced tournament where he won five rounds each with both the white and black pieces.
Praggnanandhaa's coach RB Ramesh is a happy man. In a chat with TOI, Ramesh said, "We did not dream so far in the World Cup. In fact, before the event we had planned till the Nakamura match. So, we were making plans till that point only. Since he has defeated two of the top three in the world, we are elated. It is a dream come true."
On what to expect in the final against Carlsen, Ramesh said, "It will be a 50-50 game. Carlsen is playing a little shakily in this World Cup. Since Carlsen is giving chances to his opponents, Praggu has to grab that by being accurate."
In his illustrious career, the experienced Carlsen has played a total of 1,820 matches where he won 785 games, drew 836 boards and suffered 199 losses. Praggnanandhaa has played a total of 1,789 matches where the 18-year-old posted 894 victories, drew 504 games and suffered 391 losses.
Carlsen has a dominant hold on his white pieces. Of the 785 total victories, Carlsen has won 470 games while starting and recorded full point in 315 rounds with the black pieces.
In contrast, Praggnanandhaa has maintained a balance with both the colours. Of the 894 wins, Praggnanandhaa clinched 476 games with white pieces and posted 418 victories while defending.
Carlsen must be aware of Praggnanandhaa's defensive strength. After the Indian held the world No.1 in January this year, Carlsen was quoted as saying, "He defends really well, and it was disappointing (to draw)."
