Chessable Masters 2022 QF: Praggnanandhaa eliminates Wei Yi, set to clash with Giri in the Semifinal

by Shahid Ahmed - 24/05/2022

Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to advance to a MCCT event Semifinal. He beat Wei Yi convincingly 1.5-2.5 in the Quarterfinals to set up a clash with Anish Giri. Both Giri and Carlsen took the minimum number of games to win their Quarterfinal matches. Giri is yet to lose a single game in this event. Both Pragg and Ding Liren lost a game each in the Quarterfinals. Pragg is playing at a different level since Oslo Esports Cup and he seems to be in a very good place to end Giri's unbeaten streak. Who will advance to the final of Chessable Masters? Semifinals start tonight at 9:30 p.m. IST. Photo: Rupali Mullick

Pragg becomes the first Indian to get into a MCCT Semifinal

Both Pragg and Giri started their Quarterfinal matches with two consecutive victories. Giri drew the third to win the match while Pragg lost and drew the next one to advance to the next stage. One thing is clear, Giri's unbeaten streak at the event is certainly in danger. Pragg is poised to make the most out of his opportunity once again.

Praggnanandhaa has been on a roll since Oslo Esports Cup | Photo: Rupali Mullick

Wei Yi - Praggnanandhaa: 1.5-2.5

Praggnanandhaa started the day with a victory over Wei Yi in the first game.

Wei - Praggnanandhaa, Game 1

Position after 37...Rd7

38.d6 keeps things balanced b3 39.Rd2 Rxd6 40.Rxd6 b2 41.Rd1 b1Q 42.Rxb1 Qxb1 would have led to a draw. However, White played 38.Rd4 allowing Black to gain the pawn for free Rxd5. 39.Rg4 does not work because Rg5 blocks Rg7+ threat. 39.Rxd5 exd5 40.Qxb4 Qxf6 Black is winning the Queen ending, due to the extra passed pawn on the d-file. The win is not easy but we know it already that Pragg is not going to miss these chances.

Pragg scored an emphatic victory in the second game. He sacrificed a piece in the opening, for which he had enough compensation.

Praggnanandhaa - Wei, Game 2

Position after 20.Rxe5+

Try to find out the safe square for the black king in above position. Wei Yi misplaced his king which allowed Pragg to gain the upper hand. Thus, Pragg went 0-2 up.

Praggnanandhaa needed only a draw in the third game to win the Quarterfinal. However, he lost by making a mistake in the endgame. Wei Yi moved away from zero, the score became 1-2.

Being in a must win situation, Wei Yi somehow managed to break the position open in the later part of the fourth game. However, it was not enough. Pragg defended correctly and managed to draw the game. He won the Quarterfinal 1.5-2.5 to advance to the Semifinals.