When Magnus Carlsen slammed his fist on the table after a shocking loss to D Gukesh at the elite Norway Chess tournament, the moment went viral — a rare, raw display of frustration from a modern-day chess titan. To many, it was a sign that the young Indian brigade is finally rattling the very foundation Carlsen built. But for 19-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, the incident was something else entirely: a reminder of just how far one must go to reach that level of passion and dominance.“Yes, it was an instinctive reaction. I think it does happen to players. I’ve done it sometimes, but rarely,” Praggnanandhaa told PTI. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“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 think it’s good for the game in a way because a lot of people got to know that there was such a tournament going on and that such a dramatic game happened.“So, I think there are some good things and bad things, but I think overall, chess is growing. That’s what matters.”“I think Magnus is still the best player in the world. There’s no question about it,” Praggnanandhaa added. “Every time he plays, he’s the favourite. His performance — like winning 9 out of 9 in the Grand Slam Freestyle — that’s something only he can do. It’s just brilliant.”
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Yet, while Carlsen remains the benchmark, Praggnanandhaa’s own rise has been just as headline-worthy. After a quiet 2024, the teenager has exploded into form this year, winning three major classical titles — the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Classic in Bucharest, and the UzChess Cup Masters — and leapfrogging both world champion Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi to become India’s highest-rated player at World No. 4.So what changed?“I wasn’t able to win as many games as I would have liked to (last year), but yeah, I’m much more confident now and much more ambitious than earlier. And, hopefully, I’ll make it to the Candidates,” said Praggnanandhaa.READ ALSO: Exclusive | No Magnus Carlsen in India! Freestyle Chess event called off over lack of sponsors“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.”It’s not just the titles, but the manner of his victories — two of them coming through nerve-wracking tie-breaks — that point to a more seasoned, composed player.
“I do think tie-breaks require some luck. Because there were moments where I needed them. But I think being calm also helps in such situations where you are playing for high stakes in such a short time. I do feel the tension. It’s not like I don’t feel it. But I’m able to play much more calmer than my opponents,” he added.That measured response mirrors his approach to the Candidates race — the gateway to a world championship match. “Yes, there are different (several) spots, of course. I am currently leading (the race for a Candidates spot) but there is still a lot of fight till December. But I think, I mean, I will also be playing the Grand Swiss and the World Cup. So, if I can make it in one of those, that will be better because I don’t have to wait till December,” he continued.Still, he’s acutely aware of the high standards set by his peers.“But, I think, overall, we (Indians) are doing well. Gukesh winning the World Championship, his performance last year, he won gold in the Olympiad, he won the Candidates… and Arjun crossing 2800 in an exceptional last year. We are also inspiring each other,” Pragg said.
