Chennai: In a historic achievement, 18-year-old chess prodigy GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, hailing from Chennai, has secured the coveted number-one spot among Indian players in live ratings. This milestone was reached following Praggnanandhaa’s impressive victory against World Champion Ding Liren at the 2024 Tata Steel Chess Tournament.
The young grandmaster’s exceptional performance propelled him past the legendary GM Viswanathan Anand, marking a significant moment in his burgeoning chess career.
Meanwhile, in the Masters group, GM Anish Giri has emerged as the sole leader as the tournament heads into its first rest day. Giri’s strategic endgame victory against GM Gukesh Dommaraju has solidified his position at the top, with GM Alireza Firouzja closely following in second place.
In the Challengers group, the competition remains intense, with three players—GMs Erwin l’Ami, Hans Niemann, and Anton Korobov—all securing 3/4 points, showcasing their prowess and determination on the chessboard.
Praggnanandhaa’s ascent to the number-one spot in live ratings reflects not only his individual brilliance but also the promising future of Indian chess. The Tata Steel Chess Tournament continues to captivate audiences, promising more thrilling encounters and strategic battles in the rounds to come.