• By Manik Sharma
  • Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:27 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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After a close battle with Magnus Carlsen in August 2023 at biennial World Cup final, the 18-year-old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa proved his mettle on the grand stage yet again. He secured a victory over China's Ding Liren, the reigning world champion, in the fourth round of the Tata Steel Masters tournament on Wednesday.

In a historic moment for Indian chess, Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa ascended to the position of India's top-ranked men's chess player for the first time in his career, surpassing the five-time World Champion veteran Viswanathan Anand.

Meanwhile, in the Masters Group, Dutchman Anish Giri emerged as the sole leader as the tournament headed into its first rest day.

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Gautam Adani, the chairman of the Adani Group, expressed his admiration for Praggnanandhaa's accomplishment.

Earlier this month, Praggnanandhaa received a boost in his career with the support of the Adani Group, which is committed to backing sportspersons in their pursuit of bringing glory to India.

Gautam Adani, after meeting the young chess sensation, expressed the group's immense pride in supporting Praggnanandhaa, highlighting his rapid progress in the sport as truly remarkable and an example for all Indians.

"There is nothing more noble than representing the nation and winning laurels at the highest levels, and the Adani Group is wholeheartedly devoted to supporting athletes in this journey," NDTV quoted Adani as saying.

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Praggnanandhaa, known for his shy and soft-spoken demeanour, shared his gratitude for the Adani Group's trust in his abilities. He expressed his keenness to contribute to India's success on the global stage, emphasising that his sole aim when playing is to secure more laurels for the nation.

In 2023, Praggnanandhaa made history by becoming the world's youngest chess player to reach the World Cup final, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan. In 2022, he gained attention in the chess world by defeating Magnus Carlsen multiple times.

The Chennai-based chess prodigy also clinched the silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.