How Praggnanandhaa outfoxed Anish Giri as Indians stay unbeaten in Round 1

 India’s R Praggnanandhaa delivered a tactical masterclass on the opening day of the 2026 FIDE Candidates, defeating Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri. While only three games in the Open section saw decisive results, Praggnanandhaa’s clinical precision highlighted a formidable start to his campaign. The Women’s section saw all four games end in draws. India’s R Praggnanandhaa delivered a tactical masterclass on the opening day of the 2026 FIDE Candidates, defeating Dutch No. 1 Anish Giri. While only three games in the Open section saw decisive results, Praggnanandhaa’s clinical precision highlighted a formidable start to his campaign. The Women’s section saw all four games end in draws.