CHENNAI: R Praggnanandhaa was felicitated on Sunday by RB Ramesh’s Chess Gurukul, the academy where he trains, for becoming world’s second youngest Grandmaster. He achieved this feat at a tournament in Italy recently. The 12-year-old gave a simultaneous blindfold chess display and entertained the audience. Chief guest and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand lavished praise on the prodigy. Anand advised Praggnanandhaa to keep raising the bar.
“His strength is he is the GM. I was impressed by his understanding of the game and ability to grasp things. Keeping in mind what to expect from a 12-year-old and comparing that during his practice session, I found that his standards are very high,’’ said Anand. Praggnanandhaa said he was thrilled to become a GM.
“About a year back when I won my first GM norm I knew that in time I would get the title. I did not expect it to happen so quickly. Having said that, when I was playing in Italy, I was shaky initially. I grew in confidence as the tournament progressed and was sure of getting my third GM norm,’’ recollected Praggnanandhaa.
What is Praggnanandhaa’s next step? “I want to improve my ratings, play stronger tournaments and get a good exposure.’’ The Velammal School student was thrilled by meeting with Anand. “It was a memorable interaction with Anand sir. He patiently listened to me and cleared my doubts. He gave me a few useful tips. Anand sir is a role model. What I like to imbibe in my game from my idol are calmness, composure and never-say-die attitude,’’ added the youngster, informing that he will be playing a rapid event in Spain this weekend. Microsense, that supports Chess Gurukul, awarded Praggnanandhaa Rs 3 lakh.