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Magnus Carlsen vs R Praggnanandhaa (Image: FIDE_chess/Twitter)
Magnus Carlsen and R Praggnanandhaa are currently vying for the title in the Chess World Cup final in Baku, Azerbaijan. On Tuesday, both players settled for a draw after 35 moves in game 1, and on Wednesday, game 2 also could not decide the winner of the match. The match will enter a tiebreak as the second game too failed to deliver a result.
Praggnanandhaa has managed to spring a few surprises already and all the hopes are pinned on the teenager who has been a revelation in the chess circuit. After Viswanathan Anand, Praggnanandhaa could become the second Indian ever to lay his hand on the coveted trophy.
Also Read: Praggnanandhaa vs Magnus Carlsen, Chess World Cup Final LIVE updates
During the second game, Carlsen seemed to be in a bit of defensive mode and that surprised two-time Chess World Cup winner Vishy Anand. The current number one revealed he had food poisoning during the tournament and that might be the reason behind their move.
Anand tweeted, "Wow, did not expect this opening! Is Magnus repeating his game 12 strategy of 2016 and aiming for a tiebreak?"
Wow, did not expect this opening! Is Magnus repeating his game 12 strategy of 2016 and aiming for a tiebreak?@FIDE_chess #FIDEWorldCup2023
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) August 23, 2023
If so, Magnus has spent the day thinking of the tiebreak whilst Prag can only start to do so after the game.@FIDE_chess
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) August 23, 2023
ALSO READ | 'There's a reason..': Viswanathan Anand reveals how Praggnanandhaa can beat Magnus Carlsen
"If so, Magnus has spent the day thinking of the tiebreak whilst Prag can only start to do so after the game."