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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FIDE World Championships U7, U9, U11, U13, U15 & U17 – 2026 in Roquetas de Mar, Spain from 13th to 21st October 2026
Asian Amateur Chess Championships – 2026 (Men & Women U2300 – U2000 – U1700) in Bangkok, Thailand from 20th to 30th November, 2026.
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FIDE World Junior U20 Chess Championships – 2026 in Greater Caracas, Venezuela from 17th to 28th November, 2026.
20th Asian Schools Chess Championships – 2026 in Tula region ,Russia from 1st to 11th October 2026.
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