Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa demonstrated his mastery in chess with a commanding win against Nguyen Thai Dai Van of the Czech Republic during the third round of the Prague Masters on Friday.
The young prodigy, who is widely regarded as the favorite to win the tournament, showcased his prowess with a Nimzo Indian defense. Praggnanandhaa described the position as “just a position to play,” yet he navigated the middle game with remarkable ease. Despite Dai Van’s extra pawn, Praggnanandhaa maintained control, keeping his opponent on the defensive.
The critical moment occurred on the 14th move, where Praggnanandhaa secured an undeniable advantage. Although the game featured several twists, the result was never in doubt. This victory was essential for Praggnanandhaa, who had drawn his first two rounds. He concluded the game with finesse, winning a rook for a minor piece.
Reflecting on his performance thus far, Praggnanandhaa remarked, “Yesterday was nothing. In the first round, I had a good position.”
Praggnanandhaa’s technical acumen and strategic brilliance shone throughout the match, cementing his status as a formidable chess talent.
