Nakamura sole leader; Praggnanandhaa impresses

World number three Hikaru Nakamura showed his class in the blitz while India's youngest Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa impressed with two wins in the Tata Steel India Chess here Tuesday.

Nakamura secured four wins and five draws to stay as the sole leader after nine rounds.

On the penultimate day, five-time former world champion Viswanathan Anand led the Indian challenge with India number two Pentala Harikrishna who have five points each from a maximum nine.

Having replaced fellow prodigy Nihal Sarin for the blitz tournament, 13-year-old Praggnanandhaa (3.5/9) impressed with a fighting draw against the sole leader Nakamura in the ninth round.

"I got the impression that Praggnanandhaa is very much at home in blitz," Anand said showering praise on the fellow 13-year-old from Chennai.

Facing Praggnanandhaa for the first time ever, Anand had to overcome an early attack.

Praggnanandhaa launched an attack but a different pawn move on the 15th turn g4 was a mistake as Anand took the initiative and sealed the issue.

"At some point I felt that he had outplayed me in the opening. The only thing I could hope for was the exchange sacrifice, I honestly don't know if it works or not.

"But at least in the blitz time control this is a great position. I had no idea what actually happened... In the end it was enough to win," Anand said.

On playing against Anand, he said: "When they invited me, I was very happy to play against top players."
Asked whether he was nervous, Praggnanandhaa said: "Not nervous. I just want to do well always."