Chess World Cup final 2023: R Praggnanandhaa draws with Magnus Carlsen in first game

This marks their 20th encounter, with Carlsen holding a slight advantage in their head-to-head matches.

The youngest Indian finalist achieved his place in the finals by defeating Fabiano Caruana with a 3.5-2.5 score in a semi-final that was decided by a single tiebreak victory.

Before Praggnanandhaa, Viswanathan Anand was the last Indian, who claimed victory in the World Cup in both 2000 and 2002.

Currently, Praggnanandhaa ranks as the fifth-youngest Grandmaster in history, achieving this title at the age of 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest international master ever.

Praggnanandhaa boasts an impressive record, having clinched three world youth titles: U8 in 2013, U10 in 2015, and U18 in 2019.

In 2019, at just 13 years old, he secured a remarkable victory at the Xtracon Chess Open with an undefeated score of 8.5/10, triumphing over a field that included 13 Grandmasters ranked over 2600.

His successes continued as he emerged victorious in the Polgar Challenge in April 2021, earning a spot in the subsequent leg of the Champions Chess Tour. His achievements extended to team play as well, winning a bronze medal with the Indian team at the 2022 FIDE Olympiad.

He showcased his skill by scoring 6.5/9 on the third board, resulting in a performance rating of 2767.

Later in 2022, Praggnanandhaa claimed victory in the Asian Continental Chess Championship.

In July 2023, Praggnanandhaa reached a live rating of 2700 for the first time, marking another significant milestone in his already illustrious career.