The Indian chess star defeated the highly-rated Giri and beat the Dutchman in the tiebreak after the quick four-game online semi-final match ended in a 2-2 draw.
For the top prize, Praggnanadhaa will face off against world No. 2 Ding Liren of China, who shocked world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the other semi-final by 2.5-1.5.
The opening game of the semifinals ended in a tame draw before 16-year-old Praggnanandhaa clinched a win in game two to hand Giri his first loss of the tournament.
In the third game, the experienced Dutchman seemed to have the upper hand, but Praggnanandhaa, as he is known in chess circles, fought hard to force a draw and take a 2-1 lead.
Giri faced defeat and hit back to win game four and send the semifinals into a tiebreak.
The Dutchman faltered in the first blitz game and resigned in an Italian opening in 33 moves.
In the second tie-breaker game, Giri managed to gain an advantage but the Indian held out and a tie ensued that sent the teenage ace into the crest battle.
The game ended late at night, after which Praggnandhaa said, “I have to be at school around 8.45am, and now it’s 2am!”
Praggnanandhaa
Meanwhile, his trainer RB Ramesh, himself a GM, said: “Congratulations @rpragchess on defeating Anish in the semifinals of #ChessableMasters! The ability to beat strong players despite having a poor result in the past is amazing. Proud of you Kutti. ”
Praggnanandhaa had an excellent grade in the tournament. He had defeated Carlsen in the preliminary round in which he finished fourth.
Details of the two-day final
Final 1: Wednesday 25 May
Final 2: Thursday 26 May
ACTUAL Time: Both games start at 9:30pm IST
Live streaming: Chess24, ChessBase.
