‘Delighted to see two Indians, two people from Tamil Nadu in Tata Steel Chess Tie Break’ – Firstpost

R Praggnanandhaa returned to India on Tuesday (January 4) after winning the title Tata Steel Chess 2025 by beating the world champions of Gukesh in equality. Given as the “Wimbledon” of the title of chess, Tata Steel Chess is one of the most prestigious tournaments and the first major trophy won by Praggnanandhaa.

After receiving a warm welcome at Chennai airport, Praggnanandhaa spoke of his joy at winning the title and also congratulated Gukesh, who fought for the title until the end. Praggnanandhaa also pointed out that two players from India and Tamil Nadu fighting for the title in equality breakdown were a proud moment for the country and the state.

“I feel very happy to win this tournament, and it’s very pleasant to see that two Indians, two people from the Tamil Nadu played at the end. We both played well. Huge congratulations to him (D Gukesh) too, he played very well, “said the 19 -year -old Grand Master arriving in Chennai.

Praggnanandhaa was welcomed at Chennai airport by officials of Tamil Nadu (SDAT).

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Despite the loss of their last games respectively in the last round 13, Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa finished as joint leaders in the Tata Steel 2025 master’s ranking and need equality to decide on the possible winner on Sunday.

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While Gukesh won the first Blitz match in equality, Praggnanandhaa won the next two to win the trophy. It was the first Gukesh tournament since the victory of the 2024 world chess championship.

Praggnanandhaa: “I was quite ambitious in all games”

“It was very long, almost eight hours, the first match itself lasted 6.5 hours, then we had this blitz, it was a crazy day,” said Praggnanandhaa after winning the Tata Steel Chess 2025.

“This is a very special event in the world of chess, and I saw games of this growing tournament. Last year, it did not go in my sense, so I was really motivated for this tournament. I think it showed in my game that I was quite ambitious in all the games trying to fight, which is why we have seen many decisive games, “added Praggnanandhaa.

Read also | Anand publishes a spiritual remark after Praggnanandhaa wins the title Tata Steel Chess 2025

Praggnanandhaa also shared that the changes to his game helped her win the Tata Steel Chess 2025 trophy.

“I knew what’s wrong in the past six months and I knew what I had to work on. I will continue to try to improve myself. I changed certain things for this tournament (in my game), and it worked, “he said.

Praggnanandhaa is the first Indian to win the title of tata steel chess since the triumph of Great Viswanathan Anandand in 2006. Anand won Tata steel failures in 1989, 1998, 2003, 2004 and 2006.