On present type, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa might be thought-about some of the harmful opponents in world chess, much more harmful than world No. 1 Carlsen, says Pravin Thipsay.
IMAGE: Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa proudly shows the trophy after his historic triumph at Norway Chess 2026. {Photograph}: Michal Walusza/Norway Chess/FIDE
Key Factors
- Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is a extra harmful participant than even world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, says Arjuna awardee Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay.
- Thipsay says Praggnanandhaa’s Norway Chess triumph is without doubt one of the best achievements by an Indian participant in recent times.
- Over the previous few months, Praggnanandhaa has added new dimensions to his recreation, together with improved defence, positional understanding and tactical accuracy.
- Thipsay believes India at the moment possesses three real World-title contenders in Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi..
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, the primary Indian to win the celebrated Norway Chess title, is a extra harmful participant than even world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and essentially the most improved chess participant on this planet, based on Arjuna awardee Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay.
Praggnanandhaa’s historic triumph at Norway Chess 2026 has strengthened his standing among the many recreation’s elite, Thipsay ranking him as India’s strongest participant at current, forward of reigning World champion D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi.
“Praggnanandhaa is the perfect Indian chess participant proper now. On present type, he might be thought-about some of the harmful opponents on this planet, much more harmful than Carlsen,” mentioned Thipsay.
One Of The Best Achievements By An Indian Participant
He pointed to Praggnanandhaa’s spectacular report in opposition to the Norwegian legend, noting that few gamers have loved such success in opposition to Carlsen in recent times.
Thipsay described the Norway Chess victory as one of many best achievements by an Indian participant in recent times. He notably praised Praggnanandhaa’s end to the match, the place he gained his last 4 rounds in opposition to opponents rated above 2750, together with Carlsen and Gukesh.
“What an excellent comeback. After a considerably disappointing 2025, he has produced one thing really extraordinary. Indian chess wanted a efficiency like this,” he mentioned.
In line with Thipsay, the 20-year-old’s largest achievement has been the transformation of his enjoying type. As soon as recognized primarily as a pointy attacking participant who relied closely on opening preparation, Praggnanandhaa has developed into a much more versatile competitor able to excelling in quite a lot of positions.
New Dimensions To Praggnanandhaa’s Recreation
“Three or 4 years in the past, he was feared for his attacking chess. However opponents progressively discovered easy methods to neutralise these strengths. Over the previous few months, he has added new dimensions to his recreation, together with improved defence, positional understanding and tactical accuracy,” Thipsay defined.
He in contrast the evolution of Praggnanandhaa’s type to that of former World champion Anatoly Karpov and Carlsen, gamers who focus much less on gaining opening benefits and extra on progressively outplaying opponents by way of superior understanding and consistency.
Thipsay believes India at the moment possesses three real World-title contenders in Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi.
Whereas all three are able to turning into World champions, he feels Praggnanandhaa holds a slight edge at current due to his latest type and skill to constantly defeat gamers of equal or larger power.
“It is essential to take care of type for a protracted interval. Like Kasparov was the strongest, highest rated participant on this planet for 18 years. If our kids achieve that kind of consistency than singular efficiency, then it will actually be nice.”
Former Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua additionally praised Praggnanandhaa’s achievement, calling the Norway Chess title a exceptional milestone. He mentioned the victory would offer further confidence and motivation for future tournaments.
Barua, nevertheless, confused that Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh and Arjun are all acting at an identical stage and characterize the way forward for Indian chess.
He famous that their rivalry is pushing every participant to enhance and serving to India keep its place among the many world’s main chess nations.
“The competitors between them is bringing out the perfect in all three. Generally Arjun will win, typically Praggnanandhaa, typically Gukesh. We’re witnessing a golden period for Indian chess,” Barua mentioned.
