Praggnanandhaa ends rapid day with one win, two draws in Saint Louis

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa enjoyed a solid day at the Grand Chess Tour: Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2026, picking up one win and two draws from Rounds 4, 5 and 6. His performance kept him firmly in the race as the rapid section of the tournament continued.

Pragg started the day with the white pieces against Javokhir Sindarov. The opening led to an equal position, with neither player able to create clear winning chances. Both players played carefully in the middlegame, and after a series of repeated knight moves, the game ended in a draw after 27 moves.

He responded strongly in Round 5 with an impressive victory over American Grandmaster Awonder Liang. Playing with the black pieces in the Caro-Kann Defence, Pragg remained patient as Liang tried to build an attack. The Indian Grandmaster defended accurately before taking control of the position. As both players came under time pressure, Pragg found the better moves, won important material and converted his advantage. Liang resigned on move 32, handing Pragg his only win of the day.

In the final round of the day, Pragg faced experienced American Grandmaster Wesley So. The game was closely fought from the start. Pragg enjoyed a slight advantage after the opening, but So defended well and steered the game into a rook endgame. The players battled for 117 moves in one of the longest games of the round. Despite both players searching for chances until the very end, neither could make a breakthrough, and the game was eventually drawn.

Pragg finished the day with four points from a possible six, thanks to his victory and two draws. The result keeps him well placed in the standings as the rapid event heads into its final stages.

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