Praggnanandhaa Defeats Gukesh D and Wins Tata Steel Chess 2025
India: Indian chess sensation Gukesh D had a day filled with highs and lows at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 in Wijk aan Zee on Sunday. The 18-year-old, who recently became the world champion, suffered his first defeat in the tournament’s final round against his Chess Olympiad teammate Arjun Erigaisi. However, the championship race remained open as Praggnanandhaa lost his final game after a gruelling six-hour battle against Gukesh’s World Championship second, Vincent Keymer.
Praggnanandhaa’s defeat meant that the tournament winner had to be decided through tiebreaks. In the best-of-two rapid tiebreaks, Gukesh gained an early advantage when Praggnanandhaa blundered a rook, allowing him to win the first game with white pieces. However, Praggnanandhaa bounced back with a victory in the second game, pushing the match into a sudden death decider.
In the final game, Praggnanandhaa outplayed Gukesh, forcing him into time trouble and securing the title after the world champion lost on time. With this victory, Praggnanandhaa claimed the Tata Steel Chess 2025 title, marking another significant achievement in his rising career.
