Chess prodigy Praggnanandhaa has defeated world number-one Magnus Carlsen for the first time in classical chess on Wednesday, May 29, at the Norway Chess 2024 tournament.
Praggnanandhaa beat World number one Carlsen with White pieces in the 3rd round of Norway Chess 2024. The 18-year-old took advantage away from Carlsen, who resorted to what some experts said what a risky play.
This win comes after three draws and one loss against Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa's win - which comes on the birthday of another Indian prodigy world championship contender GM Gukesh Dommaraju- has ensured that the Indian chess prodeigy has now taken over the lead from Carlsen in the tournament.
"I kind of feel that I have enough experience at this level and I can beat these players, but I have to play my best for that and that’s what I’m trying to do. That’s kind of the mindset," Chess.com quoted Praggnanandhaa.
“His opening was provocative. I said he wants to fight, because otherwise he could play something solid. I didn’t mind at all. We’ll fight and we’ll see how it goes,” The Indian Express quoted Praggnanandhaa after the victory.
Chess.com quoted American chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, who lost to Carlsen in the second round saying, "I wish Magnus would take these chances against me or against Fabi. I have this theory that when Magnus is playing the younger kids specifically he wants to sort of prove a point, he wants to go after them and try to beat them and he takes far more risks than he does against us old folks!"
