2 days ago
Praggnanandhaa On Carlsen's Viral 'Big Bang' Reaction: 'I've Done It Sometimes'
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R. Praggnanandhaa said Magnus Carlsen's viral reaction after losing to Gukesh Dommaraju was instinctive but not ideal.
Teenage Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa opened up on the recent controversy surrounding Magnus Carlsen's reaction after losing to Gukesh Dommaraju.
Nothing could be more dramatic in modern chess than Carlsen pounding his fist on the table after losing to Gukesh at the elite Norway Chess tournament recently. The incident quickly went viral on social media across various time zones.
When asked if the reaction was beneficial for popularising the game or if FIDE should set boundaries, Praggnanandhaa remarked that he might have reacted similarly, but it became such a sensation because Carlsen is a notable figure.
'Yes, it was an instinctive reaction. I think it does happen to players. I've done it sometimes, but rarely.
'I mean, it's (me hitting the table) not as powerful as Magnus because he's a strong guy, but Gukesh has done it and many others. It's just an instinctive reaction because you're so focused that it just comes out.
'But, I mean, is it a good thing? Maybe not. I don't think so because I guess it's not good. (Having said that), I think so many people got to know that something like this happened and it became such a big thing on the internet.
'And, I think it's good for the game in a way because a lot of people got to know that there was such a tournament going on and that such a dramatic game happened.
'So, I think there are some good things and bad things, but I think overall, chess is growing. That's what matters."
With a nine-year-old coming close to beating him in an online game, it seems that competition is intensifying.
'I think Magnus is still the best player in the world. And I don't think there is any question about it. Whenever he plays a tournament, he is the favourite. He has been proving that he is still the best by winning every tournament.
'For me, personally, I take a lot of inspiration from him, the way he plays.
'For example, he won 9 out of 9 (games) in Grand Slam Freestyle Tournament, which I don't think anyone can do except Magnus. So, yeah, it's just brilliant."
