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India Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Pranav Venkatesh's grand move: World junior crown to hometown chess debut
When discussing India's chess dominance over the past year and a half, Gukesh's name often comes up. The success of both the open and women's teams at the Budapest Olympiad is frequently highlighted. Divya Deshmukh's World Cup triumph and the all-Indian final have further cemented India's position at the top of world all this glory, there was also Pranav Venkatesh, the reigning World Junior Champion. His victory in the Junior World Cup showcased the remarkable depth of talent in Indian chess. In an interview with India Today, Pranav spoke about the Chennai Grandmasters event and his experience of winning the Junior World are some excerpts from Pranav Venkatesh's interviewQ.) After winning the World Junior Championship, how did your life change overnight, especially with you now playing in the Chennai Grandmasters and soon in the Grand Swiss? Winning the World Junior title was a huge achievement for me. I was the second seed, and the field had many strong players, so I focused on giving my best. In that tournament, I felt I played really well, with strong preparation, solid physical work, and everything falling into place. One of the biggest rewards from becoming World Junior Champion was the opportunity to play a match in the Grand Swiss, which ultimately helped me qualify for the event.Q.) You initially weren't set to play in the Grand Swiss due to a drop in ranking points, but later got in through a wildcard. How did that come about?The rating list used for the Grand Swiss selection had dropped. Earlier, my rating was 2620, which should have been enough to qualify comfortably, but after a poor month, my rating fell, and I thought I wouldn't make it by rating. Then I received an email from the Asian Chess Federation about a regional wildcard from Asia. They wanted to organize a match between the 2024 and 2025 World Junior Champions. I was thrilled at that point because it gave me another chance to qualify for the Grand Swiss.Q.) With you becoming World Junior Champion and Divya Deshmukh winning the World Cup, are you now dreaming about the Candidates?That thought is always there, but for now, I'm focused on Chennai, followed by the Fujairah tournament. Both are very strong events, with players rated above 2600. After that comes the Grand Swiss, which is, of course, extremely competitive. For now, my priority is to focus on these two upcoming tournaments, play well, and see how things go—without putting too much pressure on myself.Q.) Is this your first major tournament in Chennai, your hometown, with all the local hopes on you?This is my first super tournament with all the top players, and I'm very happy that it's happening in my hometown, Chennai. I know many of the places here, so it doesn't feel like I'm traveling much. Playing at home makes me really happy, and I hope to perform After you won the World Junior Championship, did fellow Chennai player Gukesh interact with you or share any tips?We didn't have much time to meet since he was playing a lot of tournaments, and I had some as well. So, we didn't really get a chance to talk or see each other at any event.Q.) Pranav, what is your favourite opening?I think it's 1.e4 — either the Ruy Lopez or the Italian. Since the start of my chess career, I've played 1.e4. Somehow, I feel 1.e4 is more aggressive than 1.d4, and since I'm an aggressive player, I prefer 1.e4.Q.) You mentioned the Grand Swiss has a different time control. How do you mentally prepare to balance attack and defense within the given time, especially as a young player?I think it's mainly about managing your time well in the shorter formats, like 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment, without any extra time after 40 moves, or even the Grand Swiss time control. If you can handle your time effectively in the 90+30 format, the longer time controls shouldn't be a problem since you get more time also about putting pressure on your opponent—if you apply pressure early on, even with 100 minutes for 40 moves, your opponent can end up in time trouble and make mistakes. So, if you play well in the shorter formats like 90+30, you can perform well in the longer ones too.Q.) If not for chess, what career would you have pursued, and what's your favourite subject at school?I study at Vellamal, and the school has been very supportive of my chess. But honestly, I wasn't very interested in studies even before chess. Maybe I would have chosen another sport like cricket instead.- Ends
Web Release
24-07-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
Saif Alblooshi Wins UAE's First Gold Medal at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
The UAE's Saif Alblooshi clinched the host nation's first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the men's Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final. Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, earning strong support from the home crowd. This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division. Adding to the UAE's medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg category. With these results, the UAE's total medal count now stands at 11: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze. Day three of the championship marked the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight classes. The event, hosted in the Al Ain Region for the first time and running until July 27, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Wednesday's competitions were attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, President of the UAE Esports Federation, Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; H.E. Rashed Musabah Al Manei, the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Khaled Abdullah Al Dhaheri is the Director of the Abu Dhabi Business Centre in Al Ain; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; and Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Federation. Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani, Member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said, 'We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year's championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event.'
Al Etihad
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
IMMAF Youth World Championship: Saif Alblooshi is UAE's golden boy
23 July 2025 21:23 Al Ain (Aletihad)Saif Alblooshi clinched the first gold medal for UAE at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the Youth B (14–15 years) 40-kilogramme delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, earning strong support from the home crowd. This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold in the tournament by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division. Adding to the UAE's medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg category. With these results, the UAE's total medal count now stands at 11: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze. The event, hosted in Al Ain for the first time and running until July 27, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive third day of the championship marked the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight competitions were attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, President of the UAE Esports Federation, Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Rashed Al Manei, the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; Yousef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; among other dignitaries. Mohammed Al Hosani, MMA committee member at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, said, "We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year's championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event."
Gulf Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Somalia's Abubaker shines in UAE Warriors
The Middle East's premier mixed martial arts promotion staged another thrilling double-header over two nights of non-stop action, culminating in history being made as Muhidin Abubaker became the first Somalian champion in the history of mixed martial arts, and UFC veteran Tanner Boser returned to the Octagon in devastating form to pick up his latest TKO finish. Abubakar defeated Victor Nunes to take interim bantamweight championship in the UAE Warriors 60 at the Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi on Friday. After five rounds of back-and-forth action which took place mostly on the canvas, Muhidin Abubaker (10-1) bagged the interim flyweight title to set-up a mouthwatering unification bout with Brazil's incumbent Iago Ribeiro (13-3). His opponent at the Space 42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, Victor 'Sombra' Nunes (11-6) had no answer to the top control and fluid leg-wrapping of the London-based karateka, whose ground-work is beginning to mark him as a massive talent on the global stage. His triumph didn't come overnight—it was forged in the fire of defeat. Abubakar's journey to the title was deeply shaped by a pivotal moment: his unanimous decision loss to South Africa's Luthando Biko in September 2022, during the Abu Dhabi promotion. That moment, crushing as it was, lit a fire inside him—a fire that never went out. 'That day I went back dejected and disappointed,' Abubakar recalled, reflecting on the loss that would redefine his career. 'But I was determined. I promised myself I would return stronger, smarter, and hungrier. I was going to be a better fighter—no matter what it took.' Fast forward to now, and that promise has been fulfilled in stunning fashion. With his third straight win in the promotion, Abubakar didn't just win a fight—he claimed a championship. He took home the title belt not just as a symbol of victory, but as a hard-earned reward for the countless hours of work, sacrifice, and self-belief. 'I'm really overwhelmed by tonight's result,' he said after the bout. 'To take back a title belt means everything—it's proof of the hard yards I've put in since that defeat. It was a tough fight, but I believe I deserved this win.' The evening, witnessed 12 intense fights with the participation of 24 male and female fighters from 17 countries representing different continents of the world, was attended by Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and Chairman of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club; and Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, First Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation (JJIF) and Chairman of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Palms Sports, event organiser. In the co-main event of the evening, UFC veteran Boser made an emphatic debut in the UAE Warriors promotion, securing a dominant victory over Brazil's Vinicius Moreira in a heavyweight showdown. After a tightly contested opening round, the Canadian took control, delivering relentless damage in the second frame. The punishment proved too much, and Moreira was forced to retire one minute and 55 seconds into the third round, visibly dazed and struggling to remain on his feet. In the welterweight division, Ukraine's Vladislav Rudnev kept his flawless professional record intact with a composed and calculated performance, earning a unanimous decision win over Polish debutant Piotr Niedzielski.
Sharjah 24
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
‘Sharjah Chess Masters' sees 9 players lead after round 3
First time This is the first time the championship has seen a player earn this title, after Mamedov achieved the final "norm" following the third round. Mamedov opened his campaign with a valuable victory in the first round over Ukrainian International Grandmaster Ihor Eduardovych Samunenkov. He drew in the second round against American Samuel Sevyan, and despite losing to Hungarian Adam Kozak, he still secured the title of International Grandmaster. Tournament lead The championship lead changed hands after the third round, with nine players competing for the lead with 2.5 points each. They were India's Visakh, Serbia's Aleksandar Indžić, Greece's Nikolas Theodorou, China's Dai Changren, the Netherlands' Anish Giri, Hungary's Adam Kozak, Belarus' Mihail Nikitenko, Uzbekistan's Ortik Nigmatov, and Russia's Ivan Zemlyansky. Twenty-three players were tied with two points each. Competitions The first table saw a draw between Indian Visakh and Serbian Alexander. This was repeated at the second table between Chinese Dai Changren and Iranian Parham Maghsoudlou. The first win came at the third table, with Dutchman Gerry winning the round against Indian Pranov Anand. At the fifth table, Salem Abdulrahman, a player for our national team and Sharjah Cultural Chess Club, drew with Chinese player Zhou Jiner. The round featured 20 draws. A distinguished attendance The opening ceremony at the first table was attended by Hisham Ali Al Taher, Secretary-General of the Asian Chess Federation; Faisal Khalid Al Nabooda, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Sharjah Cooperative Society; and Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, Tournament Director. Najla Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Girls Chess and Culture Club; and Faisal Al Hammadi, Head of the Technical and Referee Committee, inaugurated the third tournament for the 1900–1400 category.
