Praggnanandhaa defeated world champion Gukesh in a tense tiebreak that went into sudden dying to emerge because the champion of the Tata Metal chess match 2025. It was a second he known as the spotlight and probably the most irritating day of his profession.
After defeating Gukesh within the tiebreak, Praggnanandhaa was requested by commentator Fiona Steil-Antoni if profitable the Tata Metal title was the “spotlight of his younger profession”.
“Yeah, for certain. Once I got here right here, I needed to win the occasion. However the subject was very robust. I didn’t actually give it some thought a lot till yesterday. Can’t actually specific… I’m actually completely happy,” stated Praggnanandhaa.
Praggnanandhaa, requested if this was probably the most intense day of chess in his profession, in contrast Sunday’s motion with the sudden dying battle he had with shut buddy Arjun Erigaisi just a few years again.
READ MORE: Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi mix to halt Gukesh’s bid to win Tata Metal chess title on dramatic day in Wijk Aan Zee
“That sport was additionally insane, we went to sudden dying like right here immediately. After which I managed to win. However immediately is extra particular, as a result of I received the match. Undoubtedly most irritating day, I suppose… Immediately’s classical sport was (so prolonged) resulting from strain. However I used to be additionally fairly drained,” Pragg admitted.
INTERACTIVE: Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh tiebreak sport 1
INTERACTIVE: Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh tiebreak sport 2
INTERACTIVE: Praggnanandhaa vs Gukesh sudden dying sport 1
Pragg had misplaced the ultimate sport to Vincent Keymer, however due to Arjun Erigaisi’s win over Gukesh in spherical 13, there was a tiebreak. The Indian prodigy joked after claiming the title that he ought to in all probability reward his good buddy Arjun Erigaisi for defeating Gukesh.
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WATCH: Pragg interview after profitable Tata Metal chess
“Ought to in all probability by one thing for Arjun, yeah?” smiled Pragg whereas speaking to Fiona Steil-Antoni after profitable the title.
He stated that he wasn’t anticipating Erigaisi to defeat Gukesh. “I didn’t actually count on (Arjun to beat Gukesh). As a result of sooner or later felt that Gukesh was truly higher. Once I noticed the consequence (of Gukesh vs Arjun), I had already misplayed and I used to be in such a troublesome place that I may probably not do a lot than sit and defend. I didn’t assume virtually I had any probability in my very own place.”
