New Delhi: Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa has added another glittering milestone to his rising career by qualifying for the Grand Chess Tour (GCT) Finale, following his impressive runner-up finish at the prestigious Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, USA. The tournament, which forms a critical part of the global chess calendar, witnessed a nail-biting climax as American Grandmaster Wesley So edged past both Praggnanandhaa and compatriot Fabiano Caruana in a dramatic playoff to claim the title.
According to multiple media sources, the classical section of the tournament concluded with a rare three-way tie at the top, with So, Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa all finishing with 5.5 points each from nine rounds. The balance of skill and precision culminated in a tiebreak playoff, where So emerged the strongest, defeating Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final round and then holding his nerve in the shortened time controls. Praggnanandhaa too delivered a standout moment, dismantling Caruana in the first tiebreak with a sharp tactical display before falling to So in the next round, which sealed the American’s triumph.
For the Indian teenager, however, the outcome was equally rewarding. His performance not only secured him second place but also confirmed his place in the elite Grand Chess Tour finale. Alongside him, Caruana, So, Levon Aronian, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (MVL) qualified for the finale, creating a star-studded lineup for the season’s ultimate showdown. Aronian, who finished in fourth place with five points, played a cautious final round against Praggnanandhaa, seemingly more focused on qualification than chasing outright victory.
The tournament also reflected the shifting dynamics of world chess. World Champion D Gukesh, who entered the event with high expectations, managed only 4 points, finishing outside the top five after a string of lackluster games. France’s Alireza Firouzja struggled as well, ending ninth with 3.5 points, while Abdusattorov, despite flashes of brilliance, finished last on 2.5 points. Meanwhile, MVL, Samuel Sevian of the US, and Jan-Krzysztof Duda of Poland tied for the fifth spot with 4.5 points each, underlining the intense competitiveness of the field.
Praggnanandhaa’s qualification holds broader significance for Indian chess. With his berth secured, he becomes the only Indian currently confirmed for the Candidates Tournament cycle, which decides the challenger to the reigning world champion. His progress mirrors the rapid ascent of India as a global chess powerhouse, a trajectory that began with Viswanathan Anand and is now being carried forward by a younger generation including Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin.
The road ahead promises even more excitement. The caravan of world-class players will now move to Uzbekistan for the Grand Swiss, beginning September 3, which is expected to be the strongest Swiss-format tournament in history. The stakes are high, as the top two finishers will secure direct spots in the Candidates Tournament, a gateway to challenging Gukesh for the World Championship crown.
As noted by international chess analysts, Praggnanandhaa’s Sinquefield campaign showcased his composure under pressure and his ability to outwit established legends. His triumph over Caruana in the tiebreak was particularly hailed as a sign of his growing maturity. Though the cup slipped out of his grasp in the final stages, his qualification for the GCT finale marks him as one of the brightest stars of the sport and a serious contender in the world championship cycle.