Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Praggnanandhaa Beats Vachier-Lagrave, Joins Sinquefield Cup Lead
Praggnanandhaa won his eighth-round chess game against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.
This gave him five points and put him level with Wesley So at the top.
Vachier-Lagrave took risks, but Praggnanandhaa used those risks to win in 28 moves.
Javokhir Sindarov won his third game in a row and reached 4.5 points.
Vincent Keymer also reached 4.5 points after beating Fabiano Caruana.
Wesley So drew his game with Sevian Samuels.
Anish Giri and Levon Aronian also played to a draw.
The final round will decide the tournament’s leading finishers.
R Praggnanandhaa defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 28 moves to reach five points.
Praggnanandhaa moved into a joint lead with Wesley So after round eight.
Javokhir Sindarov and Vincent Keymer share third place on 4.5 points.
Wesley So drew with Sevian Samuels, while Anish Giri and Levon Aronian also drew.
Praggnanandhaa is assured of a place in the Grand finale later this year.
- Who
- Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave; Wesley So remains level with Praggnanandhaa at the top.
- What
- Praggnanandhaa won his eighth-round game at the Sinquefield Cup and moved into a joint lead.
- When
- After the eighth and penultimate round, reported Aug. 19.
- Where
- St. Louis, United States.
- Why
- Praggnanandhaa’s win gave him five points, securing a place in the Grand finale later this year.
- Tournament
- Sinquefield Cup
- Round
- Eighth and penultimate round
- Leader
- R Praggnanandhaa and Wesley So, five points each
- Key result
- R Praggnanandhaa beat Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in 28 moves
- Third place
- Javokhir Sindarov and Vincent Keymer, 4.5 points each
- Final round
- Praggnanandhaa will play Anish Giri; Sindarov will face Wesley So
- Qualification
- Praggnanandhaa is assured of a place in the Grand finale later this year