Viswanathan Anand Praises Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh for Tata Steel Chess Masters Performances

Legendary Viswanathan Anand Praises R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh for Tata Steel Chess Masters Performances

Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has heaped praise on rising stars R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh for their spirited performances at the prestigious Tata Steel Chess Masters tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. The thrilling finish to the event saw Praggnanandhaa become the first Indian since Anand in 2006 to win the title after a dramatic tiebreaker.

After 13 rounds in the 14-player round-robin format, Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa finished as joint leaders, leading to three games of blitz tiebreakers on Sunday to determine the champion. In a sensational twist, Gukesh, the reigning world champion, suffered his first defeat in a classical game to compatriot Arjun Erigaisi, opening the door for Praggnanandhaa.

Despite being on the back foot after a tough Round 13, Praggnanandhaa showed resilience and determination in the tiebreaker. After losing the opening rapid game, the 19-year-old from Chennai bounced back to win the next two blitz games and clinch the biggest title of his career.

Anand, who featured in a hilarious advert with Gukesh after the latter’s world championship triumph, praised Praggnanandhaa for his courage and tenacity in bouncing back after two consecutive losses on the final day. He also lauded Gukesh’s hunger and competitive spirit, noting that the world champion’s performance at Tata Steel Chess confirms his relentless pursuit of titles.

The Indian chess winter at Wijk aan Zee culminated in a historic victory for Praggnanandhaa, with Anand celebrating the young talent’s remarkable achievement. The tournament showcased the depth of talent in Indian chess and the bright future ahead for players like Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh.

As the chess world reflects on the thrilling finish to the Tata Steel Chess Masters, the performances of Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh will be remembered as a testament to their skill, determination, and competitive spirit on the grand stage of international chess.

Published By: Akshay Ramesh
Published On: Feb 3, 2025