Wesley So Clarifies Controversial Pragg Draw: 'I Proposed It'

• A controversial draw between R Praggnanandhaa and Wesley So at Tata Steel Chess India Rapid sparked debate.
• Praggnanandhaa was in severe time trouble with one second left, pushing a pawn for promotion when he stopped the clock.
• Arbiters declared a draw, surprising many, but Wesley So clarified on X that he proposed the draw, not the arbiters.
• So defended the arbiters, stating they acted best under pressure, while chess arbiter Chris Bird criticized the decision, citing rules.
• Nihal Sarin won the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid title, and Kateryna Lagno won the women's section.

Why It Matters: Wesley So revealed he initiated the controversial draw with Praggnanandhaa, defending the arbiters' actions.