NewzVille Sports Desk
R Praggnanandhaa of India became the champion of the Tata Steel Masters 2025, securing his maiden big title.
In a dramatic turn of events, the World Champion D Gukesh, who had led for most of the tournament and entered the final round as a joint leader with 8.5/12, suffered a crucial loss as White against his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi.
Praggnanandhaa, the other co-leader, had a chance to claim the title outright but needed to hold an inferior position against German GM Vincent Keymer.
However, he was unable to do so, and as a result, both Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa finished with 8.5/13, tying for first place.
To determine the champion, a blitz tiebreaker was held. After the opponents traded blows in the first two games, Praggnanandhaa turned tables in the third sudden-death encounter to win down-a-pawn endgame and clinch the title.
This victory is a major milestone in Praggnanandhaa’s career, further solidifying his place among the chess elite.
Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored 8/13 and secured the third position.
