Praggnanandhaa had a dream Global Cup run in Baku endmost generation when he turned into the youngest ever finalist and within the procedure certified for the Applicants event in 2024 the place the winner will face China’s Ding Liren within the Global Championship.
The Indian teen is the 3rd youngest participant next Bobby Fischer and Carlsen to qualify for the Applicants event.
“It’s not like he (Carlsen) is invincible,” Praggnanandhaa stated of Carlsen in an unique interview with PTI.
As a question of truth, the Chennai boy has gained over Carlsen 5 occasions, however they all got here in on-line fits. He hasn’t ever crushed the Norwegian global primary in a board fit.
Praggnanandhaa (R) and Magnus Carlsen. (AFP Photograph)
“He’s definitely strong. But, he does lose games. It’s just I think he’s consistent in winning. Doesn’t lose many, that’s why. He’s just strong, mentally and physically. Basically strong in everything.”
As of now, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana and Praggnanandhaa have certified the Applicants event day 5 extra spots are nonetheless up for grabs and shall be determined by way of the tip of this 12 months.
Praggnanandhaa stated he’s no longer going to position any added power on him and he needs to pluck the Applicants as any alternative event.
“I don’t think there is going to be added pressure. I just want to take it as another tournament. If you think it’s very important, then you start putting added pressure. I just want to play like how I played in the last three tournaments,” he stated.
Top Minister Narendra Modi with Indian chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. (ANI Photograph)
‘Global Cup ultimate, a petite step’
The good fortune of the Indians on the Global Cup — the place 4 of them made the quarterfinals — has raised expectancies of some other global champion rising from the rustic next five-time winner Viswanathan Anand.
“There is a lot more to achieve in chess for me. This is just one small step, but still a very good one,” Praggnanandhaa stated.
Carlsen has already pulled out of the race to grow to be a global champion once more.
Requested whether or not that will manufacture the ground more straightforward, Praggnanandhaa stated: “Not really, everyone else is also very strong. It’s not like it’s going to be easy or anything.
“Applicants goes to be a in point of fact robust match. It calls for no longer handiest the chess side however you need to be in excellent atmosphere to combat, bodily and mentally.
“To win a world championship, you need to be physically and mentally very, very strong. I don’t think because Magnus won’t be there it would make it easier. It would be very tough. I’m just hoping to give my best and see how it goes,” he stated on his Applicants preparation.
Praggnanandhaa together with his mom Nagalakshmi. (PTI Photograph)
‘Badminton, lengthy exit accumulation me are compatible’
A badminton and cricket fan, Praggnanandhaa incessantly tries other sports activities when he’s in Chennai to accumulation himself in atmosphere.
But if he’s enjoying a event, he incessantly is going for lengthy walks or engages himself in self-talking “to de-stress”.
“I try to play badminton when I’m in Chennai. During the tournament, I try to go for walks. One or another to keep myself in shape. Any sport which does not injure me, I play that.
“It could pitch abnormal, however I communicate to myself to arrange myself mentally. In a right kind angle, it really works for me. It’s other for everybody, so we need to to find our personal method in that. I effort to be in the best atmosphere,” he revealed about his preparation.
A product of WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, Praggnanandhaa said just talking to the Indian chess wizard (Anand) boosts his confidence.
“It has helped me a bundle. I’ve realized a bundle discussing chess with him (Anand). Discussing chess, alternative than the technical facets like speaking about mental issues as smartly.
“In general, speaking to him gives you a lot of confidence. Knowing that you are working with a five-time world champion and one of the greatest of the game, he has helped me a lot through WACA,” he stated.
Only a hour next he landed in his fatherland Chennai to a rousing welcome, Praggnanandhaa needed to attend a Sports activities Ministry felicitation in Delhi. The hour next, he’s right here in Kolkata to wait an Asian Video games males’s camp ahead of the Indian group heads to Hangzhou on the finish of this generation.
‘A bundle of crowd now recognise me’
Occasion has grow to be disturbing next the Global Cup dream run, however the 18-year-old isn’t complaining.
“It (life) has changed a lot in the sense that now a lot of people know about chess in general. A lot of people recognise me. It has changed in that way.
“It’s excellent for the sport. I feel many extra younger gamers will get started enjoying, and plenty of extra sponsors will come to the sport. So, chess turning into widespread, as a fan, I’m more than happy to peer that,” he said.
Asked whether he’s not getting distracted by it, he said: “I’m seeking to do it in order that it does no longer have an effect on my preparation.
“I was keen to attend the Indian team camp along with these players Arjun, Gukesh… I’m just trying to focus on chess right now. So far, it’s been okay. I hope to continue the good work,” he signed off.
