Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa started strong at the Norway Chess Tournament, defeating France’s Alireza Firouzja in the Armageddon game during the first round on Tuesday.

After a straightforward draw under normal time control, Praggnanandhaa faced the Armageddon game with a strategic advantage: he was allotted 10 minutes as white, compared to Alireza’s seven minutes as black. However, the condition was that Praggnanandhaa needed to win, as a draw would have awarded the extra points to Alireza.

The young Indian Grandmaster displayed a clinical approach, skillfully maneuvering through the endgame to secure a fine victory. This win marks a promising start for Praggnanandhaa in the prestigious Norway Chess Tournament.