Praggnanandhaa defeated Gukesh in the tiebreaks to win the Tata Steel chess tournament. But first, he needed some help from good friend Arjun Erigaisi, who defeated the world champion in the final round.

By: Sports Desk Updated: February 3, 2025 11:31 IST

Praggnanandhaa in Round 12 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

Praggnanandhaa defeated world champion Gukesh in a tense tiebreak that went into sudden death to emerge as the champion of the Tata Steel chess tournament 2025. It was a moment he called the “highlight” and the “most stressful day” of his career.

After defeating Gukesh in the tiebreak, Praggnanandhaa was asked by commentator Fiona Steil-Antoni if winning the Tata Steel title was the “highlight of his young career”.

“Yeah, for sure. When I came here, I wanted to win the event. But the field was very strong. I didn’t really think about it much until yesterday. Can’t really express… I’m really happy,” said Praggnanandhaa.

Praggnanandhaa, asked if this was the most intense day of chess in his career, compared Sunday’s action with the sudden death battle he had with close friend Arjun Erigaisi a few years back.

READ MORE: As Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh fought it out in tiebreak at Tata Steel chess, jokes abound about Magnus Carlsen, Nepo deal to share World Blitz title. Internet says: “Co-champions maybe?”

“That game was also insane, we went to sudden death like here today. And then I managed to win. But today is more special, because I won the tournament. Definitely most stressful day, I guess… Today’s classical game was (so extended) due to pressure. But I was also quite tired,” Pragg admitted.

Pragg had lost the final game to Vincent Keymer, but thanks to Arjun Erigaisi’s win over Gukesh in round 13, there was a tiebreak. The Indian prodigy joked after claiming the title that he should probably reward his good friend Arjun Erigaisi for defeating Gukesh.

READ MORE: Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi combine to halt Gukesh’s bid to win Tata Steel chess title on dramatic day in Wijk Aan Zee

WATCH: Pragg interview after winning Tata Steel chess

“Should probably by something for Arjun, yeah?” smiled Pragg while talking to Fiona Steil-Antoni after winning the title.

He said that he wasn’t expecting Erigaisi to defeat Gukesh. “I didn’t really expect (Arjun to beat Gukesh). Because at some point felt that Gukesh was actually better. When I saw the result (of Gukesh vs Arjun), I had already misplayed and I was in such a difficult position that I could not really do much than sit and defend. I didn’t think practically I had any chance in my own position.”

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Here are what the tiebreak rules state at Tata Steel Masters with Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa tied on 8.5 points with one game left (and with Nodirbek Abdusattarov one point behind).

By: Sports Desk
Updated: February 2, 2025 23:25 IST

Praggnanandhaa faces Gukesh in Round 8 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are deadlocked at the top of the standings in the Tata Steel masters section after the final round on Sunday. While Gukesh lost to Chess Olympiad teammate Arjun Erigaisi in the 13th round today, Praggnanandhaa lost to Gukesh’s World Championship second Vincent Keymer.

So what now?

Here are what the tiebreak rules state at Tata Steel Masters with Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa tied on 8.5 points after the final round.

Gukesh in Round 12 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

Tata Steel Chess tiebreak format and time control

The time control of the tiebreak games is 3 minutes with a 2 seconds increment per move as of the first move, with an exception for ‘sudden death’ tiebreak games. The time control of the ‘sudden death’ tiebreak games is 2½ minutes for white and 3 minutes for black with a 2 seconds increment per move as of the first move for both players.

The tiebreak games will be played as soon as possible after all (potential) players in the tiebreak games have finished their games in the main tournament. Every player will have a minimum rest period of 30 minutes before the start of the tiebreak games.

In principle, there will not be a rest period between tiebreak games, i.e. the next games will be played as soon as possible. However, the chief arbiter may decide on granting a limited rest period.

Praggnanandhaa in Round 12 of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee. (PHOTO: Jurriaan Hoefsmit via Tata Steel chess)

What happens if there are two players in tiebreaks?

If there are two players in the tiebreak, the following playing schedule will apply: A play-off match of two games will be played. A drawing of lots will decide which player will start with white. If the play-off match results in a tie, a ‘sudden death’ game will be played. If this game is a draw, the next ‘sudden death’ game will be played. This will continue until a player wins a game. A drawing of lots will decide which player will start with white. The other player will play white in the next two ‘sudden death’ games. After three ‘sudden death games’ the first player will play white in the next two games, and so on.

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