Chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa believes that becoming a world champion is a realistic possibility and has given himself three to four years to achieve the feat. One of the country’s youngest grandmasters, 17, defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen three times in just six months, what would become one of the highlights of his career. Recently, he played his best match at the Meltwater Chess Championship Finals, defeating Polish grandmaster Jan-Krzysztof Duda. “Yes, my dream and ultimate goal is to be world number one and world chess champion, and I think that can be achieved in the next three to four years,” Praggnandhaa told PTI before on his way to Rashtrapati Bhawan to receive his Arjuna Award today. Wednesday.
“I don’t think it’s going to take long. If I keep playing well and stay on track then that’s realistically possible.” During the Meltwater Chess Championship Finals, Praggnanandhaa and reigning world champion Carlsen chose to play chess near the iconic Bay Bridge in San Francisco.
“Yes, I’ve been in very good form lately. And I’m playing consistently well. I deserve the Arjuna Award. I don’t think it’s come very soon. It’s meritorious. It’s good for sports.
“I hope the award will give me even more motivation to reach even higher heights and will also motivate other chess players,” he said.
Praggnanandhaa, the youngest player to defeat reigning world chess champion Carlson, believes he needs to play higher ranked players to achieve his goal.
“I plan to play against higher ranked players. I need to pick the top international championships. I also have to improve my ELO rating. Yes, there are a lot of tasks ahead but like me said, they are indeed possible.” He says former world champion Viswanathan Anand is a constant source of inspiration.
“Sir Anand was the first person to tell me that one day I can become world champion. I want to prove it right. I am getting all the help and support from him. . I’m sure my game is improving day by day.” He says he has only one ambition: to be the best in the world.
“I’ve focused all my energy in one direction. But that doesn’t mean I shut down my other possibilities. I read a lot and I’m aware of current affairs. But yeah, chess is my life, my passion, my everything.” When asked about any areas where he needs to improve, he said he plans to try a few new things but won’t reveal them at this stage.
“The game of chess is about rediscovering new things, fresher openings, playing in the middle and I will try to improve and improvise them.”
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