'Deservedly No. 4': How Did Vishy Anand Praise Praggnanandhaa's Heroic Win in Uzbekistan?

New Delhi, June 28 (NationPress) The Indian chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa has extended his remarkable winning streak in 2025 by triumphing at the UZChess Cup Masters, securing his third significant classical tournament victory this year.

This 19-year-old Grandmaster exhibited incredible resilience and focus, clinching the title in a nail-biting finish against local GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the ninth and decisive round, playing with the black pieces.

His victory allowed him to tie for first place alongside Javokhir Sindarov and Abdusattorov, each finishing with 5.5 points after nine games. Praggnanandhaa emerged as the champion after two rounds of tiebreak matches, scoring 3.5 points against his Uzbek rivals, with Sindarov taking second place with 3.0 points and Abdusattorov in third with 2.5 points.

Earlier in the year, Praggnanandhaa had already claimed victories at prestigious events like the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk Aan Zee, Netherlands, and the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Classic in Romania, marking this as his third classical title of the season.

With this win, Praggnanandhaa not only solidifies his status among the elite chess players globally but also achieves a significant milestone by becoming the highest-rated Indian chess player in Live Rating, moving him to the fourth position, surpassing Arjun Erigaisi.

"I concluded the #UzChessCup Masters with a final round victory and successful tiebreaks. The tiebreaks were quite intense. I am thankful for all the support I've received. Now, onto the next challenge in Croatia," Praggnanandhaa shared on X.

Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand praised the young talent on social media, stating, "Congratulations to @rpraggnachess for his win at the Uzbekistan Chess Cup. This is his third major classical title this year, and of all his victories, this one seemed the least probable with just two rounds remaining."

In a fiercely competitive environment, Praggnanandhaa showcased a remarkable comeback by defeating fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi in the second to last round and then overcoming local favorite and world top-10 player Abdusattorov in the final round to tie for first.

Demonstrating his characteristic nerve and determination, Praggnanandhaa secured the tiebreak, marking his third tiebreak victory of the year and confirming his title in style.

As Anand remarked, "In a stunning show of character, he secured his third tiebreak victory this year. He rightfully claims the number four position in the chess world and is now the highest-rated player in India."

During the tiebreaks, Praggnanandhaa, Sindarov, and Abdusattorov each finished with two points in a double round-robin blitz, with Abdusattorov and Sindarov drawing both their games while Praggnanandhaa defeated both with white but lost with black.

In the second round, Praggnanandhaa drew against Abdusattorov with white and won against Sindarov with black. Sindarov then defeated Abdusattorov, which ultimately secured the title for the Indian GM.