Chess | R Praggnanandhaa breaks silence on Magnus Carlsen’s table slam after D Gukesh loss: ‘Is it a good factor? Maybe not’ | Chess News

R Praggnanandhaa breaks silence on Magnus Carlsen’s table slam after D Gukesh loss

When Magnus Carlsen slammed his fist on the table after a stunning loss to D Gukesh on the elite Norway Chess match, the second went viral — a uncommon, uncooked show of frustration from a modern-day chess titan. To many, it was a signal that the younger Indian brigade is lastly rattling the very basis Carlsen constructed. But for 19-year-old Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, the incident was one thing else totally: a reminder of simply how far one should go to achieve that stage of ardour and dominance.“Yes, it was an instinctive reaction. I think it does happen to players. I’ve done it sometimes, but rarely,” Praggnanandhaa informed 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 imply, is it a good factor? Maybe not. I do not suppose so as a result of I assume it’s not good. (Having mentioned that), I feel so many individuals obtained to know that one thing like this occurred and it grew to become such a large factor on the web.“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 feel there are some good issues and dangerous issues, however I feel total, chess is rising. That’s what issues.”“I feel Magnus continues to be the most effective participant on the earth. There’s no query about it,” Praggnanandhaa added. “Every time he performs, he’s the favorite. His efficiency — like profitable 9 out of 9 within the Grand Slam Freestyle — that’s one thing solely he can do. It’s simply good.”

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 occasion known as off over lack of sponsors“I’m unsure find out how to reply that. But, I imply, I attempt to give my finest in each match, and this 12 months has been going my manner to this point.”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 strategy 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 conscious about the excessive requirements set by his friends.“But, I feel, total, we (Indians) are doing effectively. Gukesh profitable the World Championship, his efficiency final 12 months, he gained gold within the Olympiad, he gained the Candidates… and Arjun crossing 2800 in an distinctive final 12 months. We are additionally inspiring one another,” Pragg mentioned.