Team Blitz India
BAKU: The first game of the FIDE World Cup final between Praggnanandhaa and Magnus Carlsen on August 22 ended in a draw after 35 moves. The two Grandmasters will play the second game with Carlsen having the advantage playing with the white.
The 18-year old Indian GM was impressive against a fancied and higher rated opponent and forced a stalemate in 35 moves while playing white pieces.
Praggnanandhaa had stormed into the final by shocking world No.3 Fabiano Caruana 3.5-2.5. The Indian teenager became only the second player from the country to reach the final of the World Cup after the legendary Viswanathan Anand and has already qualified for the World Candidates final.