In a remarkable breakthrough for Indian chess. The siblings R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu have etched their names in history as the first brother-sister pair to attain the esteemed title of Grandmaster in the chess world.
This significant accomplishment unfolded during the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain. Where 22-year-old Vaishali surpassed the 2500 FIDE ratings, solidifying her position as India’s third female Grandmaster. The journey leading to this milestone is extraordinary, with Praggnanandhaa securing his Grandmaster title at 12 in 2018, making him the second-youngest Grandmaster globally.
Hailing from Chennai. The siblings have consistently demonstrated their dedication and skill in chess, earning medals in various competitions, including the Olympiad and Asian Games.
Vaishali’s recent feat secures her place in chess history and marks the inaugural qualification of a brother-sister duo for the prestigious Candidates Tournament. This tournament, orchestrated by FIDE, stands as the ultimate battleground to determine the challenger for the World Chess Championship.
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Vaishali’s journey into chess commenced early, guided by her father, Rameshbabu, who recognized her potential. Both siblings were mentored by Grandmaster RB Ramesh. Who diligently honed their skills at Chennai’s Bloom Chess Academy, dedicating numerous hours daily to chess practice.
Vaishali’s progression to Grandmaster status was punctuated by steady achievements. She acquired titles such as Woman International Master, Woman Grandmaster, and International Master at 15, 17, and 20, respectively. Her accomplishment breaks a 12-year drought for India in producing a female Grandmaster. With Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli being the previous titleholders.
As the chess world applauds the historic achievement of the Praggnanandhaa siblings. The future appears promising as they aspire to build on their success and bring further accolades to Indian chess.
Conclusion:
The journey of R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu to becoming the first-ever brother-sister Grandmaster pair is a testament to their dedication and skill. Their recent milestones not only mark personal triumphs but also contribute significantly to Indian chess history. As the siblings set their sights on future endeavors, the chess community eagerly anticipates more successes from these promising players.
