After 18-year-old Indian chess player Praggnanandhaa managed to defeat world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in a classical game at the Norway Chess tournament, he ended the day at the top of the open standings, while Vaishali secured the top spot in the women's standings. Carlsen's risky opening did not fare well against the young prodigy, who strategically put pressure on the five-time world champion. The victory marks a major milestone for Praggnanandhaa's career and solidifies his position as a rising star in the world of chess.
Praggnanandhaa's Triumph and India's Chess Prowess
Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa's recent victory over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in a classical chess game has sent shockwaves through the chess world. This historic feat marks a significant milestone in Praggnanandhaa's career and highlights India's growing dominance in the sport.
Praggnanandhaa's Path to Victory
Praggnanandhaa, an 18-year-old from Chennai, India, has been making waves in chess since a young age. He achieved the title of Grandmaster at the age of 12, becoming the second youngest ever to do so. At the Norway Chess tournament, Praggnanandhaa faced Carlsen, the reigning world champion, in a highly anticipated match.
Carlsen, known for his aggressive playing style, opted for a risky opening. However, Praggnanandhaa expertly maneuvered his pieces, gradually building pressure on Carlsen's position. As the game progressed, Carlsen's risky opening proved costly as Praggnanandhaa exploited weaknesses and forced Carlsen into a corner.
India's Chess Resurgence
Praggnanandhaa's victory is not an isolated incident but rather a testament to India's growing strength in chess. In recent years, India has produced a number of top-rated players, including Vishwanathan Anand, the former world champion, and R. Praggnanandhaa.
This resurgence is attributed to several factors, including increased government support for chess, the establishment of chess academies across the country, and a growing interest in the sport among young people. As a result, India is now a major force in international chess, consistently producing world-class players.
Top 5 FAQs on Chess
1. Who is the current world chess champion? Magnus Carlsen
2. Who is the youngest ever chess Grandmaster? Sergey Karjakin
3. What is the most prestigious chess tournament? World Chess Championship
4. What is the name of the chess opening that Carlsen played against Praggnanandhaa? Sicilian Dragon
5. What is the name of the chess club that Anand is a member of? Excelsior Chess Club
Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was sold for a whopping Rs 10.75 crore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL mega auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. His valuation skyrocketed from his base price of Rs 2 crore as RCB and Mumbai Indians fought for his acquisition. Bhuvneshwar rejoined RCB, his first IPL franchise, after stints with Pune Warriors and Sunrisers Hyderabad where he became the team's all-time leading wicket-taker. Other notable transfers included Deepak Chahar to Mumbai Indians, Akash Deep to Lucknow Super Giants, Tushar Deshpande to Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals exercising their Right to Match option for Mukesh Kumar.
The second day of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2025 saw a total of 84 players being auctioned at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, with a whopping 72 players being sold for a total of Rs 467.95 crore by the 10 teams. The most expensive signings included Rishab Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Venkatesh Iyer, with the accelerated auction beginning from Player No. 117. Some exciting signings on Day 2 included Shubham Dubey and Shaikh Rasheed, who were picked up by Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings respectively. Stay tuned for updates on the accelerated auction process.
Former Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Nitish Rana became the centre of attention on the second day of the IPL 2025 auction as Rajasthan Royals secured him for Rs 4.20 crore. Rana's inclusion adds depth and experience to the Royals' batting lineup as they aim for a championship title. Despite fierce competition from CSK and RCB, RR emerged victoriously in the bidding war for the reliable middle-order batter. Other notable moments from the auction include Washington Sundar's move to Gujarat Titans and Sam Curran's return to Chennai Super Kings.
RCB's conservative approach at the IPL 2025 auction has drawn widespread criticism and trolling from fans and experts alike. Despite having a large purse, they chose not to secure marquee players and even let go of key player Mohammed Siraj, sparking outrage among supporters. The team's restrained bidding and online banter with rival team Lucknow Super Giants only added fuel to the fire, leaving fans disappointed and questioning RCB's strategy for the upcoming season.
Krunal Pandya, the left-arm finger spinner and middle-order batsman, has remained a consistent performer for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since 2016. After being released by MI in 2022, he joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for a record-breaking price of INR 8.25 crore, but was then snatched up by RCB for INR 5.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction due to his all-round skills and impressive performance in international cricket. Despite not getting as many opportunities in the national side as his brother Hardik Pandya, Krunal has proven himself to be a valuable asset for any team in the IPL.
In a post-match press meet, Indian cricket team captain Jasprit Bumrah showered praise on Virat Kohli for his exceptional performance in the first test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Despite facing a tough delivery in the first innings, Kohli's mental fortitude and experience helped him dominate the second innings and secure a victory for India. With his 30th Test century, Kohli surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most centuries by an Indian in Australia, solidifying his position as one of the greatest cricketers in the world.
Gujarat Titans has made some big moves ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, retaining Shubman Gill and other key players while also making some impressive signings including Kagiso Rabada and Jos Buttler. Despite being one of the youngest franchises in the league, GT has already made their mark with a trophy and a finals appearance. Keep up with all the latest updates on the IPL mega auction, including Gujarat Titans' picks.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have secured the versatile all-rounder, Sam Curran, for the upcoming IPL 2025 season. After being released by Punjab Kings (PBKS), who purchased him for a high price in the 2023 auction, Curran was picked up by CSK in 2021. His impressive performances with both bat and ball have made him a valuable asset for the team. With CSK's strong lineup and Curran's ability to open the batting and swing the ball with the new ball, this reunion is bound to bring success for the five-time champions.
England's head coach Brendon McCullum stated that Archer's selection for The Ashes next winter is not a guarantee even if he is physically ready. Archer has been sidelined due to injury since 2021 and the team has been easing him back into the international set-up through white-ball cricket. McCullum also mentioned the strong competition for spots in England's team and stated that Archer needs to be fully fit and prove himself before being considered for the Test squad.
Deepak Chahar, an upcoming swing bowler from Rajasthan, has often been plagued with injuries throughout his career. Despite this, his performance in white ball cricket has been impressive, earning him a spot in India's national team. With a release from Chennai Super Kings due to limited playing time, Chahar has now caught the attention of Mumbai Indians who have spent a whopping INR 9.25 crore to secure him for the upcoming IPL 2025 season, making him their most expensive purchase at the auction.