Photos: David Llada
Shortly after achieving the record-breaking feat of becoming World’s second youngest Grandmaster, R. Praggnanandhaa contested in an epic match against Top American Grandmaster Wesley So in the first semifinal of the 2018 Leon Masters. The event was held from 06th to 08th of July 2018 in Spain.
Wesley So emerged victorious from what was an uphill battle after he blundered badly in the first game against the Indian prodigious talent. 

Praggnanandhaa, playing with black pieces, caused a stunning upset in the first game.
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Wesley So bounced back from the shocking loss and managed to win second game in 34 moves.
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In the subsequent game, both players gave it their all. The game ended in a fighting draw.
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The fourth and final encounter saw Wesley So in his top game in which he demonstrated superiority in technique over his young rival.
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At the press conference, GM Wesley So was full of praise for his super-talented opponent.
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