Harikrishna wins CEZ Trophy in Prague

Harikrishna finished the match in style, scoring 3 wins in the final games to clinch the victory with 7-5. It is a great result for the Indian No 2, considering he was invited to participate in the match in the last minute, as a replacement for Ding Liren.

"It was a thrilling match. I was trailing by 1 point before the last 3 games, and I am  pleased that I could win all three games on the last day to clinch the match", said Harikrishna after the match. 

Harikrishna entered the match as 39th ranked player on the Rapid list, slightly lower rated than Navara, who was the 25th. With this victory, the Indian is set to gain 27.2 rating points, and will climb 18 positions in the next rapid rating list.

The match was held from 13-16 June, at Michna Palace in Prague, as the main event of the CEZ CHESS TROPHY, traditional chess festival which takes place every year in the capital of Czech Republic.

The match consisted of 12 rapid games, with the time control 20 minutes per player for the game, plus 10 seconds increment per move.