India, Aug. 21 -- R Praggnanandhaa defeated reigning World Champion D Gukesh in the opening round of the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis. The win saw the Indian GM become the new World No. 3 in the live rankings for a short period of time.

Speaking after his remarkable victory, he said, "I think it was a smooth game. It was surprising from him because it looked like he was off at the start, like he spent so much time at a theoretical position and this endgame is just unpleasant for him. It started to get worse and worse. I guess his last chance was to take the pawn on b4 but I think it still should be winning and I think it's a good game to start with."

"Last year, I messed up some good positions against him, I think I did not beat him (in...