Indian Grand Master R Praggnanandhaa held his own against World No.1 Magnus Carlsen to secure a draw in the first classical game of the final of the FIDE World Cup chess tournament in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday.
Praggnanandhaa, 18, was impressive against a fancied and higher rated opponent and forced a stalemate in 35 moves while playing white pieces.
This means Carlsen will have the advantage of playing white in the second game of the two-match classical series on Wednesday.
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. With the win the youngster has also officially confirmed his spot at the 2024 Candidates Tournament, the winner of which will challenge world champion Ding Liren.
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