Praggnanandhaa (16), who became the youngest master international at age 10 in 2016, beat Carlsen on Monday night at the Airthings Masters rapid-chess tournament.
After the victory in black, Praggnanandhaa was visibly calm and said “It’s time to go to sleep as I don’t believe I will have dinner at 2.30”
Other people have beat Carlsen, including Indians Viswanathan anand and Pentala Haririshna. But Praggnanandhaa remains the youngest since 2013, when the Norwegian became the world champion.
Anand, five-time world champion, was hailed as India’s greatest chess player and tweeted: “Always proud to our talents!” It’s a great day for @rpragchess
Sachin Tendulkar, Indian cricket’s superstar, also praised Praggnanandhaa from Chennai. Praggnanandhaa is widely considered a future challenger for the world title.
Pragg must have felt a great feeling. It must have been 16 years ago, and to beat the decorated and experienced Magnus Carlsen while playing black is amazing!” Tendulkar posted on Twitter.
“Best wishes for a long and successful career in chess.” India is proud of you!
31-year-old Carlsen appeared to make a mistake in the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour event, which had a prize pool of more than $1.5 million.
Carlsen said Monday that he was still suffering from the effects of a coronavirus infection.
Carlsen stated, “It was better today but the first two days, it was feeling like I am okay, but I don’t have any energy, and it was kinda hard to focus,”
Carlsen was awarded his fifth consecutive world chess title in December. He defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi. This contest saw the Russian lose its nerve after losing an eight-hour game. It was the longest ever played at any world championships.
The victory of the teenager follows a disappointing performance so far in the tournament, where his previous victory was in the eighth round against grandmaster Levon Aronian.
“His results over the past six months have swung between extremes,” Praggnanandhaa coach RB Ramesh was quoted saying on ESPN.
“The fluctuation can be alarming and must be stabilized. Magnus’ win is significant. He is very proud to have defeated Magnus, one of the most powerful players in chess history.
