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Pragg has managed to clinch the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Classic and UzChess Cup Masters titles in the year as he managed to climb to a career-best ranking.
R Praggnanandhaa (Picture credit: PTI)
Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa revealed that his increase in confidence and his ambition to punch his ticket to the Candidates as the factors behind his impressive showing in the ongoing season in which the teenager has triumphed at three events.
Pragg has managed to clinch the Tata Steel Masters, Superbet Classic and UzChess Cup Masters titles in the year as he managed to climb to a career-best ranking in the World Rankings.
“I wasn’t able to win as many games as I would have liked to last year, but yeah, I’m much more confident now and much more ambitious than earlier. And, hopefully, I’ll make it to the Candidates,” Pragg said.
“I try to give my best in every tournament, and this year has been going my way so far,” he added.
The youngster seems to have figured out the pathway to making it to the Candidates and is confident of reserving his place in the prestigious event.
“Yes, there are different several spots, of course. I am currently leading the race for a Candidates spot but there is still a lot of fight till December,” the 19-year-old elucidated.
“But I think, I mean, I will also be playing the Grand Swiss and the World Cup. So, if I can make it in one of those, that will be better because I don’t have to wait till December,” he added.
Pragg leapfrogged compatriots D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi in the rankings with his win in Uzbekistan, but the teenager opted to remain humble regarding the feat.
“I think, I’m maybe one point ahead of Gukesh or something. I don’t think it makes a huge difference,” he said.
“For me, personally, it’s about winning tournaments, which is more special. And I try to take one tournament at a time. And when I do well, I’m just happy about it. So that’s all that matters for me,” he clarified.
“But, I think, overall, we Indians are doing well. Gukesh winning the World Championship, his performance last year, he won gold in the Olympiad, he won the Candidates… and Arjun crossing 2800 in an exceptional last year. We are also inspiring each other,” Pragg reflected.
Pragg clinched the crown in Uzbekistan in a tie-breaker as he edged out Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov to the top spot. When quizzed if he was turning into somewhat of a master at tie-breaks, the Indian said, “I do think tie-breaks require some luck. Because there were moments where I needed them. But I think being calm also helps in such situations where you are playing for high stakes in such a short time.”
“I do feel the tension. It’s not like I don’t feel it. But I’m able to play much more calmer than my opponents. I don’t think there is a mantra. I would say it’s about philosophies and what’s important for you. For me, it’s just about giving my best at that moment. And that’s what I try to do, take one game at a time,” the Indian GM added.
(With Inputs From PTI)
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