Smells Like Teen Spirit

At only 16, R. Praggnanandhaa is taking the world of chess by storm

- Shail Desai

The world witnessed a rare and somewhat unexpected sight on February 21. Playing at the Airthings Masters, an online rapid chess tournament, Magnus Carlsen sat with his head in his hand. The other half of the screen showed Indian Grandmaster (GM), R. Praggnanandhaa, look expectant. It was a little past 2 am in Chennai when, from the comfort of his home, 16-year-old Praggnanandhaa beat the World No. 1 Norwegian for the first time in his short career. There were few emotions on display at this turning point in his career. He woke up his father, Rameshbabu, to give him the news. After a round of interviews and a text to his coach, GM R.B. Ramesh, he called it a night.