Published 16:06 IST, August 23rd 2023
'There's a reason..': Viswanathan Anand reveals how Praggnanandhaa can beat Magnus Carlsen
In an interview with republicworld.com. 5-time World Champion from India, Viswanathan Anand comments on the FIDE Chess World Cup final clash.
It's a big day for India as millions will turn their attention to Chess to find out whether India's wonderboy R Pragnanandhaa will conquer the world today or will he head to the Candidates Tournament as a runner-up in the Chess World Cup. On his big day, we got in touch with his mentor, the one and only 5-time World Chess Champion GM Viswanathan Anand. Vishy brought India to the forefront of the Chess map, and 37 years later he is still serving the nation by leaps and bounds.
3 things you need to know
- India's R Praggnanandhaa reached the final of FIDE Chess World Cup 2023
- World No.1 Magnus Carlsen is up against Pargg
- Pragg has already beaten Hikaru Namakura and Fabiano Caruana in the tournament
Praggnanandhaa's emergence to the top has come as a huge boost for the Chess community, and after years the people of the great nation are excited about the game that originated in India. On the day, Chandrayaan-3 might create history, Praggnanadhaa is aiming for the moon (pun intended), and citizens are waiting to witness him soar to the highest. Among the many is Vishy Anand, who has been instrumental in showcasing the path to the next generation of Chess prodigies. Ahead of Pragg's big meeting against Magnus Carlsen in the FIDE Chess World Cup Final Day 2, Vishy spared a few minutes of his busy schedule for republicworld.com. Anand laid his thoughts on Pragg's chances against Magnus and also told us a funny instance that took place with Praggnanandhaa.
Pragg keeps Vishy Anand in the loop
Vishy revealed Pragg tells him about his every achievement. So, whether it is about reaching the 2700 rating or winning any title, "Vishy sir" gets a notification from the Chess prodigy. "I asked him to keep me updated and then he will update me, but he will update me not of small things, he will update me that he won something. Of course! I am following him. But he's very correct in that way. I asked him to do something and he will do it. So, I am very touched by that."
A funny instance with Praggnanandhaa
India's most decorated Chess player divulged an instance where he and Pragg had a good laugh. "There was a journalist once, who asked him a question as if he knew him, He asked Praggu what do you think of this or that, I was a little bit shocked. Then I asked Pragg, 'does he know you very well, he called you Praggu as if he knows you all his life'. He said no sir, he doesn't know me at all, maybe he just feels he knows you, and we laughed about it. It is funny."
"You know most people abroad, they look at his name and they think they will never be able to pronounce it.. but it's not one of the most difficult names, it's only got "A", and in that sense, I think one of the reasons they like him is because they can shorten his name to Pragg, that's very cool," Vishy added.
Is Praggnandhaa going in as an underdog against Magnus Carsen?
Finally! it was time to address the elephant in the room, we asked Vishy whether Pragg is an underdog going against Carlsen, to which he vehemently said, "Unquestionably! he is the underdog, in the classical, in the rapid, and in the blitz, but he's changing, very fast, he playing much better every day, so he's also all-round quality. There's a reason we go by statistics because they help us predict quite well and if you look at Carlsen's strengths he is by far the stronger player today, on top of that Carlsen has the white pieces today. Having said that, if Pragg is strong enough and if Carlsen crosses the line and makes a mistake then Pragg can win. So, his chance is to do a good job today, try to get into the game, get a good position that he can play that suits his style, and if the opportunity arises I hope he will be able to grab it. "
While he might be an underdog, if R Praggnanandhaa manages to attain the glory then Viswanathan Anand will surely be one of the proudest Indians.
Updated 16:15 IST, August 23rd 2023