What a remarkable event the FIDE World Cup 2023 was! Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, this tournament was filled with unforgettable moments and intriguing stories beyond the main headlines. Magnus Carlsen's victory and Praggnanandhaa’s impressive run were just the tip of the iceberg. Here are six lesser-known but equally compelling stories from the World Cup:

1. Praggnanandhaa’s Stellar Performance

Praggnanandhaa’s journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being seeded lower, he took down top players like World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana and World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura. His performance was a testament to his preparation and mindset, showing that he is a player to watch in the future. His draw with Magnus Carlsen in the Classical section of the finals was a highlight, and he secured a spot in the Candidates Tournament, further solidifying his reputation.

2. Nijat Abasov: The Local Hero

Azerbaijan’s own Nijat Abasov became the unexpected star of the tournament. With Mamedyarov and Radjabov, the country’s top players, being knocked out early, all eyes were on Abasov.

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