In a thrilling showdown that has captured the attention of chess enthusiasts worldwide, 18-year-old chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa is on the brink of etching his name into the annals of chess history as he takes on former five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in the finals of the FIDE Chess World Cup. Widely hailed as the heir apparent to the legendary Viswanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable journey through the tournament has solidified his reputation as a prodigious talent to watch.
Displaying unwavering focus, determination, and discipline in the FIDE World Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Praggnanandhaa has secured his place in the prestigious Candidates Tournament, a contest that will determine the challenger to the reigning world champion, Ding Liren.
Earning distinction as the first Indian to qualify for the Candidates Tournament since the era of Viswanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa’s prowess was vividly demonstrated last year when he triumphed over World No. 1 and former classical champion Magnus Carlsen in an electrifying online event.
The chess world is now fixated on the impending clash between Praggnanandhaa and Carlsen, scheduled for today, August 24, in a tiebreaker match following two intense and closely contested draws between the two rivals.
Praggnanandhaa vs. Magnus Carlsen: Battle for Victory and Reward
The FIDE Chess World Cup has unveiled an unprecedented prize pool totaling $1.83 million this year, to be distributed among the 206 participants across ten categories. Even competitors eliminated in the early rounds stand to claim a share of the rewards.
First Round: Entrants eliminated in the initial round will be awarded $3000.
Second Round: Those exiting in the second round will receive $6000.
Third Round: Participants ousted in the third round are entitled to $10,000.
Fourth Round: Those bowing out after the fourth round will take home $16,000.
Fifth Round: A generous prize of $25,000 awaits those eliminated in the fifth round.
Sixth Round: Contestants exiting in the sixth round will be granted $35,000.
The pinnacle of the tournament commences beyond the sixth round as the qualified contenders advance to the final four. Here, the fourth-place finisher will seize a total of $50,000, while the third-place victor will be rewarded with a $60,000 prize.
As the fervent competition escalates to the climactic face-off between R Praggnanandhaa and Magnus Carlsen for the championship title, the stakes are higher than ever. If Praggnanandhaa manages to overcome Carlsen and claim the title, a substantial prize of $110,000 awaits him, with the runner-up receiving a commendable share of $80,000 from the prize pool. The world awaits with bated breath as these chess virtuosos battle for supremacy on the grandest stage of the FIDE Chess World Cup.
