Maxime Vachier-Lagrave’s Controversial Ranking: R Praggnanandhaa Placed in B Tier for Candidates Tournament Amid Form Concerns
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave Ranks R Praggnanandhaa in B Tier for Candidates Tournament: A Controversial Take
In a bold assessment that has sparked discussions in the chess community, French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave has placed India’s rising star, R Praggnanandhaa, in the B tier for the upcoming Candidates tournament. Vachier-Lagrave described this ranking as a “hot take,” emphasizing that while all eight competitors have a shot at victory, his evaluation is primarily based on current performance rather than raw talent.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Vachier-Lagrave acknowledged Praggnanandhaa’s impressive skills, stating, “It’s harsh because you know that skill-wise, if we were in the first six or eight months of 2025 right now, Pragg would have been at S tier.” However, he pointed out a noticeable dip in the young Indian’s form in recent tournaments, which influenced his decision.
The French Grandmaster cited Praggnanandhaa’s struggles in key events such as the Grand Swiss, World Cup, and Wijk aan Zee, noting, “I’m really not convinced from his Wijk performance. And Wijk can do some damage also.” With the Candidates tournament fast approaching, Vachier-Lagrave expressed concern that there may not be sufficient time for the young talent to regain his top form.
“If I have the guarantee that he will manage to find the key to break that spiral, I would put him at S tier. But now I’m going to put him in the B tier. That’s how important I think current form is,” he explained.
Vachier-Lagrave further elaborated on the challenges young players face when experiencing a decline in performance. “It’s a hot take but it’s been 6 months and his form has really not been great,” he said. Drawing from his own experiences and those of other players, he emphasized that recovering from a series of subpar results is no easy feat.
As the chess world gears up for the Candidates tournament, all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa to see if he can defy expectations and reclaim his place among the elite. Whether Vachier-Lagrave’s assessment will prove prescient or premature remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for the young prodigy.
For more updates on the Candidates tournament and other sporting events, stay tuned to the Times of India Sports Desk.