At 12, Chennai boy makes record Grandmaster move

Two years after he became the youngest International Master, India's R Praggnanandhaa has rewritten record books yet again, becoming the world's second youngest Grandmaster (GM) — and India's youngest — at the age of 12 years, 10 months and 13 days.

The Chennai boy achieved the feat after reaching the final round of the ongoing Grendine Open in Ortisei, Italy. Sergey Karjakin of Ukraine remains the youngest ever GM, having got to the landmark at the age of 12 years and seven months in 2002.

"Welcome to the club & congrats Praggnanandhaa!! See u soon in chennai?" Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, India's first GM, tweeted on Sunday.

Despite overcoming Italian GM Luca Moroni Jr in the eighth round, it wasn't enough for the Indian to get the third GM norm. To wear that crown, Praggnanandhaa had to play an opponent above the World Chess Federation's FIDE rating of 2482 in the following round.

Fortunately for the boy, he was paired with Dutchman Pruijssers Roeland, whose rating was 2514.

His coach, Ramesh RB, was a relieved man. "Great inspiration personally working with you! He travels an hour each way to attend lessons. Great commitment from the parents," he tweeted.