**SEO Title:** Indian Chess Star Pranav V Stuns Aryan Tari, Qualifies for World Cup Round 3
**Meta Description:** World Junior Champion Pranav V defeats Aryan Tari in rapid tiebreaks at the World Cup, advancing to the third round. Discover his journey and ambitions.
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Panaji witnessed a thrilling upset as reigning world junior champion Pranav V secured his spot in the third round of the World Cup. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating his good friend and former world junior champion, Aryan Tari from Norway, in a nail-biting rapid tiebreak.
Pranav’s victory marks him as the sole Indian wildcard recipient to advance to this elite stage, now among just 64 players left in the tournament.
A Riveting Tiebreak Victory
After a challenging second classical game where Pranav faced a slight setback, he showcased his resilience and tactical prowess in the rapid tiebreaks. He masterfully outplayed the five-time Norwegian champion, securing a 2.5-1.5 win.
How Pranav Clinched the Win
The first set of tiebreaks saw the 19-year-old Pranav take an early lead. Playing with white pieces, he capitalized on his opponent’s 33rd-move blunder, clinching victory in 43 moves.
The subsequent game between these two world junior champions was a true test of strategic depth. Pranav deployed all his defensive weapons, securing a crucial draw in a marathon 98 moves. This epic battle lasted an impressive one hour and 13 minutes, solidifying his path to the next stage.
His triumph made him the third Indian player to qualify for the prestigious third round.
Pranav’s Perspective: “I’ve Tricked Him Many Times”
Reflecting on his win, Pranav shared insights into his rivalry with Tari. “I have played Aryan a lot, and even he knows that I have tricked him a lot of times in both the blitz and rapid formats,” he told TOI.
He also admitted to a missed opportunity in the classical game. “I could have won yesterday only but messed it up with my white pieces,” he added, highlighting his competitive drive.
Aiming for the Stars: World Championship Aspirations
Pranav’s ambitions stretch far beyond his current junior title. He is clearly focused on higher goals in the chess world.
- World Championship Cycle Qualification: “Winning the world junior championship is a thing, but I am aiming for much higher stuff.”
- Strong Performance at the World Cup: “Like here in this World Cup, I want to do very well.”
- Candidates Tournament: “Since the World Cup is the only qualification thing left for the Candidates, I will try my best here.”
Conclusion: A Glimpse into a Bright Future
Pranav V’s impressive performance at the World Cup, culminating in his victory over Aryan Tari, is a testament to his talent and determination. As he moves forward into the challenging third round, the Indian chess community watches with bated breath.
His expressed ambitions to qualify for the World Championship cycle underscore a serious intent to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Pranav V is certainly a name to watch in the coming years.