Praggnanandhaa makes history with maiden Grand Chess Tour title

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour title after producing a stunning comeback against American Fabiano Caruana in the final at the Saint Louis Chess Club.

Praggnanandhaa, who began Thursday six points behind Caruana, turned the match around by winning both rapid games before holding his nerve in the blitz section to seal a 15-13 victory.

The 21-year-old Chennai player pocketed USD 200,000 for the title and also secured a place in next year's Grand Chess Tour along with Caruana and fellow American Wesley So.

Praggnanandhaa entered the final day facing a difficult task after falling six points behind Caruana. However, he produced two wins in rapid chess to move two points ahead.

The Indian then maintained his advantage through the four blitz games. The opening blitz game ended in a draw before Caruana won the second to bring the scores level at 12-12.

Praggnanandhaa responded immediately, winning the third blitz game to restore his two-point advantage at 14-12.

With one game remaining, Caruana needed a win to force a further playoff, followed by an Armageddon tie-break if required. Praggnanandhaa held the final game to a draw, securing the match and the Grand Chess Tour crown.

"Honestly, I didn't think I had many chances today," Praggnanandhaa said after the victory.

He also highlighted the importance of beating Caruana twice in the rapid games, saying it was not easy to defeat the American even once.

Praggnanandhaa has enjoyed a strong year. Earlier, he became the first Indian to win Norway Chess, where he defeated world number one Magnus Carlsen twice during the tournament.

The Grand Chess Tour victory adds another major title to his growing list of achievements and makes him the first Indian to claim the prestigious series.