Xtra Time Web Desk: Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa lost to China’s Ding Liren in the final of the Chessable Masters online rapid chess tournament on Friday. The world no. 2 Chinese chess player had to neutralise an incredible performance from 16-year-old Praggnanandhaa who came back hard after falling behind in the final.
The youngster from Chennai had a nation of chess fans behind him as he took the final to overtime, but it wasn’t to be. Ding came out on top in the blitz play-off after his opponent blundered.
Ding takes home the $25,000 first prize, $6,250 in bonuses and the pride of winning his first Meltwater Champions Chess Tour title, the fourth leg of the 2022 season. Praggnanandhaa can be content with $15,000, $6,250 in bonuses, a memorable run and finishing above World Champion Magnus Carlsen, who he beat in the Prelim stage.