R Praggnanandhaa Wins Gold In Chess

R Praggnanandhaa has recently emerged as unconquered king in the World Youth Chess Championship here, which has claimed the gold in the Under-18 Open category on 16 November.
The 14-year-old Grand Master who belongs to Chennai has settled for a cautious draw in the 11th and final round against Valentin Buckels (Germany) to top and win the charts with nine points.
He, however, will now also have to thank compatriot, International Master Arjun Kalyan for achievement of a crucial draw against top-seeded Shant Sargsyan (Armenia).
Praggnanandhaa would have been seen under pressure if Grand Master Shant had won the match. But Shant was unable to unravel a determined Arjun, allowing Praggnanandhaa for annexing the title.
The Championship had ended on a high note for India, with six other medals, including three silvers, which came their way.
Only the Under-16 of Girls category proved tough for India, although B M Akshaya gave a nice account of herself.
Akshaya lost the medal to Anousha Mahdian, and suffered an unexpected defeat to her in the final round.
But Indian girls who were in the Under-14 segment compensated for it, with Divya Deshmukh and Rakshitta Ravi, both winning two medals.
S Maralakshikari won the bronze medal which after beating the surprise package of the championship, R Abinandhan.
CM Aronyak Ghosh also claimed the other bronze for the country in the Under-16 Open category after drawing a win with Iran's Arash Daghli.

By: Prerana Sharma
Content: https://www.news18.com/news/sports/world-youth-chess-championship-r-praggnanandhaa-wins-gold-as-india-bag-7-medals-2343479.html