As fatigue creeps in, Praggnanandhaa’s uncharacteristic mistake hands Caruana lead in GCT Final
In the final match of the Grand Chess Tour, American grandmaster Fabiano Caruana seized a crucial lead over India's R Praggnanandhaa with an uncharacteristic error from his opponent. Praggnanandhaa, who has been an exceptionally consistent player, suffered from fatigue as the grueling schedule took its toll. In the Four Knights opening, he maintained control before Praggnanandhaa conceded a significant advantage on the 28th move.
Praggnanandhaa's knight sacrifice in a desperate attempt to salvage the game was futile, leading to Caruana's subsequent attack. The 2026 Grand Chess Tour Finals, featuring a $450,000 prize pool, pits Caruana, So, Keymer, and Praggnanandhaa in a single-elimination knockout. Caruana currently holds a 6-0 advantage heading into the next Classical game.
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