New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has spoken candidly about the disappointment of his unsuccessful campaign at the Candidates Tournament, admitting that the setback was difficult to accept after dedicating years of effort towards earning a shot at the World Chess Championship.
The 20-year-old chess prodigy entered the Candidates Tournament in Cyprus with hopes of securing the right to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh. However, the event ended in frustration as Praggnanandhaa finished seventh, while Javokhir Sindarov emerged victorious and secured the championship match berth.
Reflecting on the experience, Praggnanandhaa said the entire two-year cycle had revolved around qualifying for and succeeding at the Candidates. He acknowledged that he had devoted almost all of his attention and energy to that goal, making the outcome particularly painful.
Despite the disappointment, the Chennai-born Grandmaster is now attempting to shift his focus back to the enjoyment of chess rather than constantly thinking about qualification races and future championship cycles. He said he wants to rediscover the fun of competing and approach tournaments with a more relaxed mindset.
Praggnanandhaa currently has an opportunity to move past the setback at Norway Chess, where he remains in contention for the title with two rounds left to play. A strong finish could provide the perfect start to a new World Championship cycle.
The young star also revealed that support from his sister, R Vaishali, helped him cope with the disappointment. Vaishali’s success in winning the Women’s Candidates Tournament and qualifying for a World Championship match against Ju Wenjun offered a positive family milestone during a challenging period.
Praggnanandhaa admitted that an intense travel schedule had contributed to mental fatigue. He revealed that there was a period when he travelled to seven countries in just three months while competing in elite tournaments. The constant demands of preparation, travel and high-pressure competition eventually led to burnout.
As a result, he plans to reduce his tournament schedule and take more breaks in the future, believing that time away from competition is essential for maintaining motivation and mental sharpness.
The Grandmaster also reflected on the sacrifices he made to pursue chess professionally. While he sometimes misses experiences such as school and college life, he said he has no regrets about prioritising the sport, believing the opportunities and achievements gained through chess have made the journey worthwhile.
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