R Praggnanandhaa is not getting carried away by his stunning victories over Magnus Carlsen, but the Indian Grandmaster admits he is enjoying being in the thick of the title race as Norway Chess heads into its final two rounds after the second rest day.
Fresh from defeating Carlsen for the second time in the tournament and effectively ending the Norwegian’s hopes of lifting the title, Praggnanandhaa finds himself within touching distance of the summit in one of the strongest events on the chess calendar.
The Chennai star is second in the standings with 12 points, just two behind leader Wesley So, while France’s Alireza Firouzja remains in contention on 13 points despite battling an ankle injury that has left him confined to a wheelchair.
With two rounds remaining, the title race is finely poised. A classical win in Round 9, combined with favourable results elsewhere, could see Praggnanandhaa move to the top of the standings and take control of his destiny heading into the final day.
Yet the 20-year-old was quick to point out that beating Carlsen alone is not enough to win tournaments.
“I think everyone is strong here, it’s not just about Magnus. There is also like other strong players. So, you have to do well against everyone. And, I didn’t have some good moments early in the tournament, I missed some chances,” Praggnanandhaa said on the rest day.
Having finally found time to reflect on his victories over the world No. 1, the Indian remained grounded about the task ahead.
“I’m happy that I still have a shot at it (title). Yeah, I’m happy to be in the race. Every game is important from here, and yeah, I’m happy that yesterday went well. But that (win against Carlsen) doesn’t really mean anything. I still have to give my best in the next two games. So, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” he said.
His next assignment promises to be a fascinating all-Indian battle against reigning world champion D Gukesh.
While Gukesh’s own title hopes have all but vanished after a difficult campaign that has left him at the bottom of the table on eight points, the teenager will be eager to end the tournament on a high. With little left to lose, he could play the role of kingmaker — and there would be no bigger statement than denying Praggnanandhaa a crucial result in the penultimate round.
The contest between tournament leader Wesley So and Carlsen could also prove decisive. A loss for So would dramatically tighten the race and potentially open the door for Praggnanandhaa to make a significant move before the final round.
Firouzja, meanwhile, remains firmly in contention despite his injury troubles, while Germany’s Vincent Keymer, on 10 points, still harbours outside hopes of forcing his way into the title conversation.
In the women’s event, Divya Deshmukh continues to keep her slim title hopes alive. The Indian youngster is tied for third on 10 points alongside China’s Zhu Jiner, though Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva has established a commanding lead with 15.5 points.
Defending champion Anna Muzychuk sits on 10.5 points and remains mathematically in the race, but Assaubayeva’s dominant campaign has left the chasing pack running out of time.
The Kazakh star has towered over a field packed with elite talent, including five-time world champion Ju Wenjun and India’s Koneru Humpy, underlining the authority of her performance heading into the closing stages of the tournament.
– Ends
