Pragg has been superb this yr, says Anand

Five-time World champion Viswanathan Anand feels R. Praggnanandhaa has made a exceptional turnaround this yr, showcasing “technical excellence” in addition to robust “psychological resilience.”

Anand, talking on the sidelines at an occasion the place he was honoured with the Super Chennai-Icon of the Month award, additionally shared his ideas on reigning champion D. Gukesh’s dip in type and R. Vaishali’s Candidates qualification.

“Praggnanandhaa has been superb this yr,” Anand stated. “Everything is coming collectively… his preparation is top-tier, and psychologically, he’s competing and pushing onerous. It’s a mixture of things which can be working effectively.

“He did wrestle a bit in Tashkent however his method to every recreation — the calculated dangers he takes, match technique and the way he adjusts to every opponent — has improved.”

Shifting his focus to Gukesh, the 55-year-old admitted that the 19-year-old was going by a tough patch and referred to as it a studying curve. “He’s actually having a bumpy run in the mean time. I used to be optimistic after Norway, however it’s been a bit more durable since then. At this stage, you both play effectively otherwise you don’t — that’s all. Gukesh is adjusting, studying, and adapting to the pressures of being the World champion. That, in itself, is a brand new and demanding expertise.”

What has impressed Anand probably the most about Gukesh is the mindset and willingness to maintain preventing. “I actually respect the truth that he’s not hiding from new challenges. He’s persevering with to push himself and that’s what issues. He has an entire yr forward to organize, enhance and defend his crown. His present type is not going to outline the place he will likely be subsequent yr.

About Vaishali, who received the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand not too long ago, Anand stated: “She made a exceptional restoration after the match in Chennai. I feel she felt extra relaxed and free. Sometimes, when the stress is off, you simply begin taking part in higher… that’s precisely what occurred along with her. It was a implausible outcome and qualifying for the Candidates is a good achievement.”