Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], R Praggnanandhaa is now a well-known name in India and the international chess circuit. The value of the 18-year-old, who is currently in Romania to play in the Superbet Classical tournament, has not stopped growing. The Norwegian Chess Tournament in Stavanger, where he finished behind Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, was another chapter in his historic career.
In Norway, Praggnanandhaa's first victory in classical chess over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen attracted attention. Interestingly, during the closing ceremony, Carlsen narrated that his loss to Praggnanandhaa was, in fact, the most memorable match of the tournament for him.
Talking about his relationship with the world champion, Praggnanandhaa said that there was no rivalry between them as they brought out the best in each other. "Whenever we play, the matches become interesting because we both like to be in that position, so we don't mind. In fact, I think that's the reason why our matches become so interesting."
The Chennai-born player praised Carlsen and said: "Magnus said during the closing ceremony that his game against me was memorable because after that he became a different player. He won three games in a row in classical, which is very difficult." . , and very important in this tournament and this format, so he overall played pretty well apart from that match."
In Norway, Praggnanandhaa won two, lost one and drew seven matches, in addition to his three victories at Armageddon. He said that he was happy with his performance but that he felt there was room for improvement. "I performed reasonably well. I won two classic games against Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, which was good. I feel like I could have pushed a little more in the other games. I don't think I gave my best in all the games. Although that "It's something I have to improve in future tournaments, in general I feel like I've played at a high level."
With the Paris 2024 Olympics about to close, Praggnanandhaa said: "I wish the Indian contingent all the best. We are all rooting for them. I went to the Asian Games (in 2023) for the first time and the feeling was completely different. Yes" Chess comes to the Olympic Games one day, I would be very happy. We have the Chess Olympiad this year, so I'm really excited about that. "This is an exciting period for chess."
Praggnanandhaa, who won the silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed his gratitude for the support received through the Adani Group's #GarvHai programme, which was instrumental in his and other athletes' journey.
"Right now, India is doing quite well in chess. Along with its growing popularity, we see more people picking up the game. Many of those who lost touch are now reconnecting with it, which is good. Corporate interest will definitely play a crucial role in its resurgence through player promotion, and I really hope that continues," concluded the 64-seater master.
In Norway, Praggnanandhaa's first victory in classical chess over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen attracted attention. Interestingly, during the closing ceremony, Carlsen narrated that his loss to Praggnanandhaa was, in fact, the most memorable match of the tournament for him.
Talking about his relationship with the world champion, Praggnanandhaa said that there was no rivalry between them as they brought out the best in each other. "Whenever we play, the matches become interesting because we both like to be in that position, so we don't mind. In fact, I think that's the reason why our matches become so interesting."
The Chennai-born player praised Carlsen and said: "Magnus said during the closing ceremony that his game against me was memorable because after that he became a different player. He won three games in a row in classical, which is very difficult." . , and very important in this tournament and this format, so he overall played pretty well apart from that match."
In Norway, Praggnanandhaa won two, lost one and drew seven matches, in addition to his three victories at Armageddon. He said that he was happy with his performance but that he felt there was room for improvement. "I performed reasonably well. I won two classic games against Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, which was good. I feel like I could have pushed a little more in the other games. I don't think I gave my best in all the games. Although that "It's something I have to improve in future tournaments, in general I feel like I've played at a high level."
With the Paris 2024 Olympics about to close, Praggnanandhaa said: "I wish the Indian contingent all the best. We are all rooting for them. I went to the Asian Games (in 2023) for the first time and the feeling was completely different. Yes" Chess comes to the Olympic Games one day, I would be very happy. We have the Chess Olympiad this year, so I'm really excited about that. "This is an exciting period for chess."
Praggnanandhaa, who won the silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, expressed his gratitude for the support received through the Adani Group's #GarvHai programme, which was instrumental in his and other athletes' journey.
"Right now, India is doing quite well in chess. Along with its growing popularity, we see more people picking up the game. Many of those who lost touch are now reconnecting with it, which is good. Corporate interest will definitely play a crucial role in its resurgence through player promotion, and I really hope that continues," concluded the 64-seater master.
