‘Pragg is No. 1 in the world’: Anand after India’s first GCT title | Exclusive

Viswanathan Anand’s statement last week that 21-year-old Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is currently the world’s best chess player sent shockwaves through the global chess community. The pronouncement was a long-overdue recognition of Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable talent and resilience in the face of adversity.

Anand, who dominated Indian chess for nearly two decades as the world’s top-ranked player, has immense credibility to make such an assessment. His understanding of Praggnanandhaa’s game is unparalleled, and his endorsement carries significant weight.

The road to St Louis was grueling for Praggnanandhaa. He played 27 rapid and blitz games, nine classical games, and 16 more across the semifinals and final. Along the way, he notched impressive victories, including two wins over Magnus Carlsen in Norway earlier this year.

What’s remarkable about Praggnanandhaa’s turnaround is his ability to adapt to different formats and situations. In the GCT final itself, he lost the opening classical game to Fabiano Caruana but managed to recover with a string of rapid wins. This capacity for winning late games has been a hallmark of Praggnanandhaa’s play all year.

As Anand noted in an interview, Praggnanandhaa’s ability to perform under pressure and adjust his strategy mid-game is rare. It’s this quality that has allowed him to come back from setbacks and demonstrate his prowess on the world stage.

Anand’s declaration underscores the growing strength of Indian chess in recent years. With Praggnanandhaa now at the top of the rankings, India can proudly claim a player who embodies the country’s rich chess heritage and its potential for excellence in the sport.

However, this achievement raises questions about what lies ahead for Indian chess. Can Praggnanandhaa maintain his current form, or will he face new challenges that test his mettle? How will other top players respond to his rise, and will we see a surge in competition from India’s younger generation?

As the chess world looks on with interest, one thing is certain: Praggnanandhaa has set a new benchmark for Indian chess. His performance at St Louis was more than just a victory – it was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and innate talent.

The real test now begins. Can Praggnanandhaa sustain this level of excellence over the coming months? Will he be able to navigate the complex rivalries and alliances that define modern chess? Only time will tell.