Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa won the London Chess Classic to qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

R Praggnanandhaa secured a berth for the 2026 Candidates Tournament on Monday. He is the sole Indian in next year's Candidates, and he qualified after winning the FIDE Circuit 2025. Praggnanandhaa secured his qualification after his performance in the eight-player London Chess Classic. He came joint-first, along with Velimir Ivic and Ameet K Ghasi, and then ended in third position after tie-breaks.

At the FIDE Circuit 2025, Praggnanandhaa registered 115.17 points, 34 points ahead of Dutch GM Anish Giri. Giri has also already secured his spot at the Candidates.

Speaking to ChessBase India, Praggnanandhaa said, "First of all, I want to be there 100 per cent. But overall, any candidates w

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