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NAGPUR: Two days after being crowned world junior rapid chess champion, 17-year-old Raunak Sadhwani - city's first Grandmaster - finished second in the blitz format of the U-20 World Championship organized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) which concluded in Italy on Monday. Raunak lost a game at the halfway mark to eventual champion and Azerbaijan's second seeded GM Mahammad Muradli and clinched the silver medal in the blitz event. In their sixth-round clash lasting 45 moves, top seeded Raunak went a piece down while defending with his black pieces against Muradli to finish the 11-round blitz tournament with 8.5 points. He won seven rounds, drew three while Muradi pocketed nine victories, drew a board, and lost one game to finish on top of the table with 9.5 points. Overall Raunak was satisfied with his consistent show at the world championships. He said, "I am happy that I have earned a graceful gold in rapid and a bright silver in blitz. These precious medals are dedicated to my country and my parents - my strongest support system." Raunak added, "Podium finish in both the formats is quite satisfactory. Overall, I am happy that I was able to make our country proud. Feeling of the Indian national anthem being played at the closing ceremony was out of the world. Now coming back home with some beautiful memories to cherish." On the opening day of his blitz tournament after he became the world rapid champion, Raunak received praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While congratulating Raunak, Modi wrote on X, "Congratulations to Raunak on the remarkable victory at the FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess Championship. His strategic brilliance and skills have left the world in awe and made the nation proud. May he keep inspiring the youth of our country with his exceptional achievements. Best wishes for his future endeavours." Similarly, home minister Amit Shah said, "Raunak's victory is not only a testament to his genius but also to the immense potential of our nation in chess. May it be a stepping stone to reach newer heights."

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World junior rapid chess champion Raunak gets silver finish at blitz championship - IndiaTimes