Teen Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa, who has made a strong comeback this year with three major tournament wins after a comparatively subdued 2023, attributes his return to renewed determination and confidence.
Having his sights on qualifying for the Candidates Tournament, he's committed to keeping the momentum going.
Reckoned with his unparalleled skill, Praggnanandhaa has long had the wherewithal to confront the world's best. But consistency had remained a step away — until early this year, when he won the Tata Steel Masters, among others decisively beating reigning world champion D Gukesh.
His victory trail continued with consecutive Classical chess titles: the Superbet Classic in Bucharest and the UzChess Cup Masters.
"I couldn't win as many games as I wanted to (last year), but yes, I'm a lot more confident now and much more ambitious than before. And hopefully, I'll qualify for the Candidates," the 19-year-old said in an interview with PTI.
When queried if his recent success marked a turning point in his career, the Chennai-born wonder kid modestly dismissed the possibility, stating, "I'm not sure how to answer that. But, I mean, I try to give my best in every tournament, and this year has been going my way so far."
Praggnanandhaa has a definite blueprint to qualify for the Candidates Tournament and looks forward to his prospects.
"Yes, there are various (several) places, obviously. I am ahead (in the race for a Candidates spot) now but there is a lot of battle until December. But I believe, I mean, I will also be participating in the Grand Swiss and the World Cup. So, if I can perform in one of them, that would be better since I don't have to wait until December," he stated.
The young GM has now overtaken both Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi in the FIDE ratings to become India’s top-ranked player, climbing to World No. 4. However, he remains grounded about the achievement.
“I think, I’m maybe one point ahead of Gukesh or something. I don’t think it makes a huge difference.
For me, personally, it's just about winning tournaments, which is more special. And I try to take one tournament at a time. And when I play well, I'm just happy about it. So that's all that matters for me.".
But, I believe, all in all, we (Indians) are doing well. Gukesh winning the World Championship, his play last year, he took gold in the Olympiad, he took the Candidates… and Arjun reaching 2800 in a phenomenal last year. We are also motivating one another."
Master of the Tie-Breaks
Two of Praggnanandhaa’s titles this year came via tense tie-break situations. Sharing the lead with other top GMs, he managed to hold his nerve and emerge victorious. But asked if he’s now a master of tie-breaks, his answer was refreshingly honest.
"I do believe tie-breaks do involve a little bit of luck. Because at times I needed them. But I believe remaining calm also assists in situations like these where you are playing for high stakes in so little time.
"I do experience the tension. It's not that I don't feel it. But I can play a lot more calmer than my opponents."
So what's the secret of his calm under pressure?
"I don't believe there is a mantra. I would put it more about philosophies and what matters to you. For me, it's just doing the best I can at that particular time. And that's what I do attempt… take one game at a time."
Carlsen Still the Benchmark
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand recently stated that Magnus Carlsen "wanted to draw a line in the sand" to demonstrate that he is still the best despite fierce competition from emerging Indian talent.
Even as Carlsen struggles — including with a highly-publicized online match where a nine-year-old nearly defeated him — Praggnanandhaa opines that the Norwegian legend remains unbeatable.
I believe Magnus remains the world's best player. And I don't believe there is any doubt regarding it. Whenever he participates in a tournament, he is the favourite. He has been demonstrating that he remains the world's best by winning each tournament.
"Personally, I draw lots of inspiration from him, the manner he plays.".
"For instance, he took 9 out of 9 (games) in Grand Slam Freestyle Tournament, which I do not think anyone can achieve apart from Magnus. So, yeah, it's just fantastic."
Viral Moment: Carlsen's Table Slam
One of the biggest moments in recent chess history occurred during the top-level Norway Chess tournament, when Carlsen, after his loss to Gukesh, slammed his fist on the board — a clip that went viral immediately on social media.
Asked for his take on the incident, Praggnanandhaa replied that it was probably a mere impulsive reaction — something most players can identify with.
"Yes, it was an instinctive reaction. I think it does happen to players. I've done it sometimes, but rarely.".
“I mean, it’s (me hitting the table) not as powerful as Magnus because he’s a strong guy, but Gukesh has done it and many others. It’s just an instinctive reaction because you’re so focused that it just comes out.
"But, I mean, is it a good thing? Maybe not. I don't think so because I guess it's not good. (Having said that), I think so many people got to know that something like this happened and it became such a big thing on the internet.".
"And, I believe it's well for the game in a sense because many people learned that there was such a tournament being held and that such an epic game took place.
"So, I believe there are some positives and negatives, but I believe overall, chess is on the rise. That's what counts."
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