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 sturdy “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 kind and R. Vaishali’s Candidates qualification.

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

“He did battle 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 definitely having a bumpy run in the mean time. I used to be optimistic after Norway, but it surely’s been a bit harder since then. At this degree, you both play nicely 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 essentially 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 a complete yr forward to arrange, enhance and defend his crown. His present kind is not going to outline the place he will probably be subsequent yr.

About Vaishali, who gained the FIDE Grand Swiss in Samarkand just lately, Anand mentioned: “She made a exceptional restoration after the event in Chennai. I believe she felt extra relaxed and free. Sometimes, when the strain is off, you simply begin taking part in higher… that’s precisely what occurred along with her. It was a incredible outcome and qualifying for the Candidates is a superb achievement.”