R Praggnanandhaa shares insights about his relationship with Magnus Carlsen
Young Indian grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has opened up about his relationship with Magnus Carlsen. The 18-year-old is currently taking part in the Superbet Classical tournament in Romania.
Praggnanandhaa was placed behind Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura at the recent Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger. At the event, he achieved a significant milestone, securing his first victory in classical chess over Carlsen.
During the closing ceremony in Norway, the World No. 1 acknowledged that his loss to the teenager was the most memorable match of the tournament. Interestingly, Praggnanandhaa said that there is no rivalry between them and they bring out the best in each other in all games.
"Whenever we play, the matches get interesting because we both enjoy being in that position, so we don’t mind it. In fact, I think that’s the reason our matches get so interesting," Praggnanandhaa was quoted saying by Sportstar.
He added:
"Magnus said during the closing ceremony that his game against me was memorable because after that he has become 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 overall he played quite well apart from that game."
During the tournament in Norway, the youngster secured two victories, one defeat, and seven draws, alongside three Armageddon victories. He did, however, acknowledge his performance as 'high level' while also emphasizing the need for improvement. He also highlighted his wins against Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana as notable achievements.
"I performed reasonably well. I won two classical games against Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, which was good. I feel I could have pressed a bit more in the other games. I don’t think I gave my best in all games. Although that is something I have to improve in future tournaments, in general, I feel I performed at a high level," he added.
"If chess reaches the Olympics one day, I would be very happy" - R Praggnanandhaa
As the 2024 Summer Games approach, R Praggnanandhaa extends his best wishes to the Indian contingent. The Chennai-born also noted that he looks forward to the day when chess also becomes part of the Olympics.
“I wish the Indian contingent all the best. We are all rooting for you. I went to the Asian Games (in 2023) for the first time, and the feeling was completely different. If chess reaches the Olympics one day, I would be very happy. We do have the Chess Olympiad coming up this year, so I'm kind of excited for that. This is an exciting period for chess," said the 18-year-old.
The master of the 64 squares further conveyed appreciation for the support provided by the Adani Group's #GarvHai program. Notably, this initiative played a prominent role in his and other athletes' journeys.
“Right now, India is doing quite well in chess. Along with its growing popularity, we see more people following the game. Many who lost touch are now reconnecting with it, so that’s good. The interest of corporates like the Adani Group in chess will definitely play a crucial role in its resurgence by promoting players, and I really hope it continues," he concluded.