Before FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024, India’s R Praggnanandhaa Gets A Russian Hand of Help.
Photo : Twitter
India’s R Praggnandhaa will reportedly have the assistance of eight-time Russian champion Peter Svidler for the upcoming FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024.
While Svidler’s presence could be a game-changer, a lot will also depend on Praggnandhaa’s form and how he adapts in Toronto, where there will be eight players playing each other twice.
Praggnanandhaa, who was the first to qualify for the tournament courtesy of his silver medal performance in the last World Cup in Azerbaijan, has taken the chess world by storm with his exceptional talent and rapid improvement. His impressive second-place finish at the 2023 World Cup solidified his position as a rising star.
The young Indian prodigy is known for his aggressive playing style and tactical brilliance, making him a potential force to be reckoned with in the Candidates.
Svidler is no stranger to the highest echelons of chess as he brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to the table. Hence, this collaboration promises to be a fruitful one, with Svidler’s experience complementing Praggnanandhaa’s attacking prowess.
However, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand believes that Indians are a long shot in Candidates. “If they can keep the tournament going that’s good enough. If a late opportunity presents itself, they can grab it.
Let the big decisions come later,” said Anand.
Road to the Candidates:
Ian Nepomniachtchi (2758) – qualified as the previous World Championship match runner-up.
R Praggnanandhaa (2747) – qualified as the 2023 World Cup runner-up.
Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2804) – qualified as the third-place finisher at the 2023 World Cup.
Nijat Abasov (AZE, 2632) – qualified as the fourth-place finisher at the 2023 World Cup after the winner, Magnus Carlsen, declined his right to participate.
Vidit Gujrathi (2747) – qualified as the 2023 Grand Swiss winner.
Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2789) – qualified as the 2023 Grand Swiss runner-up.
Alireza Firouzja (FRA, 2760) – qualified as the best by rating on January 1, 2024.
D Gukesh (2747) – qualified as the 2023 FIDE Circuit winner.