Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious at the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 in Tashkent, securing his third major classical tournament win of the year. This remarkable achievement elevated the 19-year-old to a live rating of 2778.3, propelling him to World No. 4 and making him India’s top-ranked player.
Why in News?
On June 27, 2025, Praggnanandhaa clinched the UzChess Cup Masters title after a thrilling final round, surpassing top contenders Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov. This victory not only elevated his ranking but also solidified his position as one of the brightest talents in the global chess arena.
Tournament Highlights
- Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Tournament: UzChess Cup Masters 2025
- Date of Victory: June 27, 2025
- Final Score (Round-Robin Stage): 5.5 points (tied with Abdusattorov and Sindarov)
Tiebreak Format
- First Tiebreak: Double Round-Robin Blitz — all players tied with 2 points
- Second Tiebreak: Praggnanandhaa defeated Sindarov and drew with Abdusattorov
- Sindarov’s win over Abdusattorov secured the title for Praggnanandhaa
Ranking Impact
- Live FIDE Rating: 2778.3
- World Rank: No. 4 (previously No. 7)
Top Indians Surpassed
- D. Gukesh (2776.6) – Now World No. 5
- Arjun Erigaisi (2775.7) – Now World No. 6
Global Leaders
- Magnus Carlsen: 2839.2 (World No. 1)
- Hikaru Nakamura: 2807.0
- Fabiano Caruana: 2784.2
Reactions & Legacy
Viswanathan Anand
- Praised Praggnanandhaa’s fighting spirit and character
- Called it his “least likely win” considering the standings two rounds before the finish
- Highlighted his consistency in winning tiebreaks — this being his third tiebreak win in 2025
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- R. Praggnanandhaa secured the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 title, becoming India’s top-ranked chess player.
- His victory elevated him to World No. 4 with a live rating of 2778.3, surpassing D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi.
- Praggnanandhaa’s consistent performance and strategic play exemplify his promising talent in the global chess arena.
- His success in tiebreaks underscores his resilience and competitive spirit, making him a force to be reckoned with.
