In the highly anticipated battle between two Indian Grand Masters in the World Youth Chess Championship in Mumbai on Wednesday, R Praggnanandhaa outclassed compatriot P Iniyan and kept India’s hopes alive in the Under-18 Open.
Iniyan, playing with black, opted for the Pirc defence. Pragg not only countered the move easily but forced him into the back foot in the opening half. He kept on piling pressure with every move and finally wrapped up the game on move 38.
As a result of the win, the youngster joined Iran’s IM Aryan Gholami in the lead after he settled for a draw in 38 moves against Indian IM Mitrabha Guha.