R. Praggnanandhaa Wins Uzbekistan Chess Cup Masters 2025

On June 28, India’s chess sensation R. Praggnanandhaa won the Uzbekistan Chess Cup Masters 2025 with an outstanding performance. The 19-year-old Grandmaster triumphed over his rivals and brought pride to the nation.

R. Praggnanandhaa continued his phenomenal winning streak this year, capturing his third major classical tournament victory of 2025 at the Uzbekistan Chess Cup Masters. The young chess player displayed exceptional skill and patience, securing the title after a decisive win in the final round against local GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov. This victory ensured Praggnanandhaa finished tied at the top with two other players—Javokhir Sindarov and Abdusattorov—with 5.5 points at the end of the nine rounds.

After two rounds of tiebreaks, Praggnanandhaa emerged as the leader with 3.5 points, ahead of his Uzbek rivals. Sindarov secured second place with 3.0 points, and Abdusattorov finished third with 2.5 points in the tiebreaker rounds.

Earlier this year, Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in the Netherlands and the Grand Chess Tour Superbet Classic in Romania. This victory marks his third classical title this season, solidifying his position among the global chess elite. With this win, Praggnanandhaa also became the highest-rated Indian chess player in live ratings, surpassing Arjun Erigaisi, who was previously in fourth place.

Praggnanandhaa expressed his joy on social media, saying, "With a win in the final round and tiebreaks, I concluded the Uzbekistan Chess Cup Masters. The tiebreaks were truly fun. I am grateful for all the support I have received. My next challenge is against Croatia." Former World Champion Vishwanathan Anand also praised Praggnanandhaa on social media, stating, "Congratulations to R. Praggnanandhaa for winning the Uzbekistan Chess Cup. His third major classical win this year. Of all his victories this year, this one seemed the least likely as only two rounds were left."