Chess | R Pragnanandha broke the silence on Magnus Carlson’s table slam after D Gukesh’s loss: ‘Is this a good thing? Probably not ‘| Chess news

When Magnus Carlsen slammed his fist on the table after a shocking loss to D Gukesh in Elite Norway Chess Tournament, this moment went viral-a rare, raw performance of disappointment with a modern-day chess titan. For many people, it was a sign that the young Indian brigade is finally accelerating the very foundation built by Carlson. But for the 19 -year -old Grandmaster R Pragnanandha, the incident was completely something else: how far it should go to reach that level of passion and dominance.“Yes, it was a spontaneous response. I think it happens to the players. I have done it at some time, but rarely,” Pragganandha told PTI. Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!“I mean, this (I am hitting the table) is not as powerful as Magnus because he is a strong boy, but Gukesh has done it to it and many others. It’s just a spontaneous response because you are so concentrated that it just comes out.“But, I mean, is it a good thing? Perhaps not. I don’t think it is not good because it’s not good. (This is said), I think a lot of people came to know that something like this happened and it became such a big thing on the Internet.“And, I think it is good for the game in a way because a lot of people came to know that such a tournament was going on and such a dramatic game.“So, I think there are some good things and bad things, but I think that overall, chess is growing. That’s what it matters.”“I think Magnus is still the best player in the world. There is no question about it,” Praggananandha said. “Every time he plays, he is a favorite. Their performance – like winning 9 out of 9 in the Grand Slam Freestyle – is only something he can do. This is just fantastic. ,

Nevertheless, while Carlson remains benchmarks, Pragganandha’s own rise is just a headline-qualified. After a quiet 2024, the teenager has exploded as this year, won three major classical titles-Tata Steel Masters, Superbat Classic in Bucharest, and Uzches Cup Masters-and World Champions Gukesh and Arjun Erigasi both world champions no. 4.So what changed?“I was not able to win many games to like (last year), but yes, I am much more confident and much more ambitious than before. And, hopefully, I will make it for the candidates,” said Pragganandha.Also read: Exclusive | No Magnus Carlson in India! Freestyle chess incident stopped shortage of sponsors“I am not sure how to answer this. But, I mean, I try to give my best in every tournament, and this year is going on its way so far.”This is not only the title, but the way of their victory-two of them are coming through a tie-break-who pointed to a more experienced, composed player.

“I think the tie-break requires some fate. Because there were moments where I needed them. But I think you also help in getting calm in situations where you are playing for high stakes in such a short time. I feel stressed. It’s not that I do not feel it. But I am able to play much more quiet than my opponents.”This measured response reflects their approach to the race of candidates – entrance to a World Championship match. “Yes, there are definitely different (many) spots. I am currently a leading (race for the spots of candidates) but still has a lot of fighting. But I think, I mean, I will also play the Grand Swiss and World Cup. So, if I can make it in one of them, it would be better because I would not wait till December,” he said.Nevertheless, he is deeply aware of the high standards set by his peers.“But, I think, overall, we (Indians) are doing well. Gukesh won the World Championship and performed him last year, he won the gold in the Olympiad, he won the candidates … and Arjun was crossing 2800 in an extraordinary last year. We are also inspiring each other,” said Pragug.