A tenacious R. Praggnanandhaa displayed his defensive skills to hold World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana and take their World Cup semifinal clash into August 21st’s tie-breaker in Baku, Azerbaijan, on August 20.
Fought on an even keel, the second game saw Caruana press hard for advantage and succeed in establishing two connected passed pawns on the king’s side. But Praggnanandhaa was equal to the challenge in their 47-move battle.
Periodic exchange of pieces pushed the game towards a draw but Caruana stayed hopeful and brought his younger rival under sustained pressure. But Praggnanandhaa gave nothing away and defended accurately with his rook and knight.
