How Did Praggnanandhaa Showcase His Chess Skills at the Grand Chess Tour Finals?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Grand Chess Tour 2025 Finals is a prestigious chess tournament.
- Praggnanandhaa showcased impressive skills at the exhibition.
- He aims to compete vigorously against top players.
- Each semi-final includes multiple game formats.
- Matches will be fully played regardless of outcomes.
New Delhi, Sep 28 (NationPress) As the Grand Chess Tour 2025 Finals kicks off on Sunday at the World Trade Center in Sao Paulo, Indian Grand Master R Praggnanandhaa showcased some impressive chess maneuvers during the exhibition.
Praggnanandhaa's notable achievements include securing the runner-up position at the 2025 Sinquefield Cup, which qualified him for the Grand Chess Tour Finals in Brazil.
"I had a fantastic experience at the alternative simultaneous exhibition here at the Sao Paulo Grand Chess Tour! All the players participated and made a few moves each. It was indeed a fun and unique experience on the board," Praggnanandhaa expressed on X.
Pragg is set to compete against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave from France, while Fabiano Caruana (USA) will take on Levon Aronian (USA). In the first Classical game, Praggnanandhaa and Caruana will both have the white pieces. They will alternate colors in the Rapid and Blitz matches. Each semi-final consists of two classical games, two rapid games, and four blitz games.
"This event promises to be thrilling with all three formats... I have followed the GCT Finals in previous years, and I know it will be a challenge. I'm eager to compete here in Sao Paulo and strive for the top position. The competition is fierce as always, featuring the top three players who are highly experienced. Having played all three formats extensively, I'm ready for it..." Pragg stated on Sunday.
All matches will be played to their full conclusion, even if the outcome is predetermined. Each match will have a maximum of 28 points.
Legendary World Champion Garry Kasparov and Alexandre Fonseca, CEO of Superbet Brazil, performed the ceremonial first moves on stage during the opening ceremony of the Grand Chess Tour Finals.