Latest news with #Praggnanandhaa
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Russia Today
Magnus Carlsen punches table after stunning defeat to Gukesh (VIDEO)
In a dramatic twist at the Norway Chess tournament on Sunday, 19-year-old world champion Gukesh Dommaraju stunned top-ranked Magnus Carlsen in his first-ever classical victory over the former world champion. Just as Carlsen seemed poised to widen his lead with a second win against the Indian prodigy, a rare endgame blunder turned the tide, and Gukesh seized the moment. Carlsen had the upper hand over Gukesh for most of the match, but he lost control and Gukesh turned the tide. Playing white, Gukesh made a bold queen sacrifice; later on, Carlsen blundered his knight on move 52. Gukesh took advantage, forcing Carlsen to resign on move 62. Carlsen punched the table in frustration after resigning. He then apologized and patted Gukesh on the back before storming out of the venue. 'Well, there wasn't much I could do. It was just clearly lost. So I was just trying to make moves which were kind of tricky for him. I mean, 99 out of 100 times I would have lost. Yeah, just a lucky day,' Gukesh was quoted as saying by MY GOD 😳🤯😲 WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 😱🫣 Earlier in the tournament, after his first-round victory over Gukesh, Carlsen posted on X: 'When you come at the king, you best not miss.' Gukesh became the second Indian player to beat Carlsen in the history of the competition, after Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in May 2024. This was Gukesh's first classical victory over the Norwegian grandmaster. With the win, Gukesh moved into third place in the tournament with 8.5 points, one point behind Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. It was their first classical match since Gukesh won the world title, and it marked the 34-year-old Carlsen's return to individual classical chess after nearly a year.
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
World Champion D Gukesh stuns former No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess 2025
Stavanger: World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh pulled off a stunning victory against former World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the ongoing Norway Chess 2025 tournament, turning the game around from a losing position on Sunday. This marked Gukesh's first-ever classical win over the Norwegian grandmaster. The 19-year-old also became the second Indian player to beat Carlsen in the history of the competition after Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Carlsen had an upper hand over Gukesh for most of the time in the match, but in the end, he couldn't control his nerves, and the teenager turned the tables around and went on to win the match. With this win, D Gukesh jumped to third spot in the Norway Chess 2025 points table with 8.5 points, and now he is just one point behind Carlsen and American Fabiano Caruana. Earlier on May 27, the marquee clash of Round One at Norway Chess 2025 lived up to expectations as Magnus Carlsen launched a classic king hunt to defeat reigning World Champion D Gukesh in a thrilling encounter. This was their first classical match since Gukesh won the world title, and it also marked Carlsen's return to individual classical chess after nearly a year. Reacting to the upset victory, Gukesh's coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, praised the teenager's resilience and fighting spirit. "We have to give a lot of credit to Gukesh for his stubbornness and for his resourcefulness because I think he was aware that he was dead lost for so long, yet he kept kicking, he kept kicking, and the time went lower, the more chances he had to actually do something with the position. I don't think his intention was to win that, but yeah, I'm sure he is happy," Vishnu Prasanna said. The win has added further excitement to the tournament, with the race for the top spot tightening as it enters its final rounds.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Checkmate to cognitive decline: Unleashing the transformative power of chess in India
I indulged in a seven-week sabbatical in India, a deliberate pause to rejuvenate my mind and spirit. Surrounded by the warmth of my family and immersed in the familiarity of my hometown, I found the perfect sanctuary to refocus on my doctoral pursuits. The comforts of home and the absence of solo responsibilities afforded me the luxury of dedicating myself fully to my studies – a welcome reprieve from the juggling act of living independently, working full-time, and shouldering a multitude of obligations. Just as my academic momentum began to build, I craved further cognitive stimulation. My mind began to wander back to neurobics, a subject dear to many in my family. Memories of my childhood chess classes resurfaced, and I recalled how, despite my mother's considerable investment, I had never truly applied myself. Now, an inexplicable yearning to relearn the game emerged, and I decided to start by playing with my mother and grandfather, both formidable players. Their suggestion that I resume formal training sparked a renewed passion within me. As I recommenced coaching, I felt an invigorating sense of cognitive vitality, a newfound sense of identity, and an unexpected tranquillity. My cognitive output was optimised, and I was astonished by the profound impact of this simple board game on my mental well-being. The experience was nothing short of revelatory, leaving me awestruck by the game's multifaceted benefits. In the verdant expanse of India's intellectual terrain, the venerable game of Chaturanga took root, germinating a profound legacy of philosophical and strategic thought that would flourish for centuries. This ancient precursor to modern chess was an apt metaphor for the classical Indian army, with its four constituent divisions – infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots – serving as a potent allegory for the delicate interplay of power, wisdom, and artistry. As Chaturanga traversed the Silk Road, it absorbed and assimilated diverse influences, evolving into the sophisticated game of Shatranj in Persia and eventually, the modern game of chess in Europe. Yet, despite its geographical and cultural migrations, the Indian essence of the game remained an indelible thread, weaving together the narrative of a civilisation that has consistently prized intellectual refinement and strategic brilliance. Today, India's resurgence in chess supremacy is a testament to its enduring intellectual legacy. Luminaries like Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi embody the very essence of strategic brilliance, foresight, and analytical acumen that once characterised the nation's monarchs and scholars. Their mastery of the game is a powerful echo of India's storied past, where intellectual pursuits were revered as the highest form of artistic expression. Chess as art, mental exercise and India's intellectual heritage To engage in the game of chess in India is to participate in a rich cultural dialogue that transcends time and space, invoking the ghosts of ancient strategists and philosophers who once wielded the game as a tool for intellectual refinement. Each move on the board reflects the eternal quest for equilibrium, echoing the Vedic concept of 'Rita' – the cosmic order that governs the universe. In India, chess represents a sublime confluence of art, philosophy, and strategy, a synthesis that spans centuries and civilisations. The game remains an enduring testament to India's intellectual heritage, a bridge that spans the ancient and modern, symbolising the nation's timeless genius and its unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. As you immerse yourself in the strategic world of chess, the game's cognitive demands expertly hone your mental faculties. Memory plays a pivotal role, as recalling intricate patterns, strategies, and moves becomes second nature. This rigorous mental exercise yields a profound impact on both short-term and long-term memory, fortifying your ability to retain and retrieve information. The deliberate planning of each move, guided by the dual objectives of protecting your pieces and outmaneuvering your opponent, cultivates logical thinking, analysis, and abstract problem-solving. This cerebral training enhances critical thinking, fosters creative solutions, and refines your ability to navigate complex situations. Personalised chess therapies and health benefits The cognitive benefits of chess are multifaceted: it boosts intelligence quotient, stimulates innovative thinking, and provides a mental reprieve for creatives facing artistic blocks. Moreover, the sustained attention required to play chess improves focus and concentration, counteracting the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and digital distractions. By engaging in this timeless game, you sharpen your mental edge, cultivating a more agile, adaptable, and resilient mind. Emerging neuroscientific research positions chess as a potent catalyst in the battle against neurodegenerative disorders and mental health afflictions. By harnessing the game's cognitive demands, individuals can bolster their cerebral resilience, fostering a profound impact on dementia prevention. Chess enhances cognitive reserve – the brain's capacity to withstand pathological insults – by stimulating neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, regions pivotal to memory and executive function. A landmark longitudinal study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (2021) revealed that elderly chess players exhibited a remarkable 40% deceleration in cognitive decline compared to their non-playing counterparts, attributable to the game's dual requisites of working memory and strategic planning. For individuals grappling with Parkinson's disease, chess offers a dual benefit: the deliberate movement of pieces enhances motor skills, while the game's reward-based learning mechanism stimulates dopamine release, complementing pharmacological interventions. Beyond its individual benefits, chess fosters social connections, bridging diverse backgrounds and promoting metacognition – the capacity to reflect upon one's own thought processes. Chess clubs and therapy groups have been shown to yield a profound impact on mental health, with studies indicating a 30% reduction in depression scores among participants. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that chess therapy must be tailored to individual needs, particularly in cases of comorbid anxiety and depression. Clinical discretion is essential in such scenarios, as the game's competitive nature may exacerbate anxiety in certain individuals. In India, where the aging population and youth mental health crisis converge, chess presents a promising solution – a low-cost cognitive training modality with heightened therapeutic effects. Its bidirectional benefits – protecting against neurodegeneration while building emotional resilience – underscore its unique role in public health, offering a potent tool in the pursuit of mental well-being. Call for grassroots efforts to promote chess across communities As we navigate the complexities of mental health and cognitive well-being in India, chess emerges as a potent catalyst for positive transformation. By harnessing the game's profound cognitive and emotional benefits, we can galvanise a national movement that promotes mental fitness, fosters social connections, and cultivates emotional resilience. The integration of chess into national health campaigns, akin to the revered practice of yoga, holds immense policy potential. This could involve the development of chess-based programs for schools and community centers, provision of training and resources for instructors and mental health professionals, and strategic promotion of chess as a tool for cognitive development and mental well-being through targeted public awareness campaigns. Grassroots efforts are already underway, with schools, NGOs, and innovative apps working tirelessly to bring the game to vulnerable groups. By introducing chess in schools, we can enhance cognitive development, bolster academic performance, and nurture social-emotional learning. Mobile apps and online platforms are democratising access to chess, rendering it an inclusive and empowering tool for mental fitness. As we strive to build a society that values mental well-being and cognitive health, chess stands poised to play a pivotal role. By supporting and scaling these initiatives, we can create a groundswell of interest in chess as a transformative force for individual and collective well-being. Ultimately, the game's timeless wisdom and cognitive demands offer a profound opportunity for India to forge a new path towards mental fitness, one that is at once inclusive, empowering, and uniquely suited to the nation's diverse needs. (Rashikkha is a multidisciplinary clinician working in the U.K., specialising in the delivery of clinical interventions in forensic settings.
Economic Times
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Economic Times
Praggnanandhaa wins Superbet Classic after a tough tiebreak
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa defeated Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France to win his first-ever tournament on the Grand Chess Tour by showcasing his supremacy in the the Superbet Classic here. The Indian, after drawing with the Armenian-American GM Levon Aronianin in the final round, was assured of a tie for the first place. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja also won to match Praggnanandhaa on 5.5 points. This led to a tiebreaker between the three, with five minutes and a two-second increment after every move. In the first game with black pieces, Praggnanandhaa had to work hard in a slightly difficult position against Firouzja but the end result was a draw. In the second game Firouzja drew with Vachier-Lagrave. In the last game of the event, Praggnanandhaa crashed through the defences of Vachier-Lagrave earn the top prize. The Indian scored 1.5 points in his blitz games, half a point more than Firouzja and one more than the other French Grandmaster. It was a sweet comeback for Praggnanandhaa after last year's debacle when he lost all his games in the play-offs. "I didn't do so well last time. I guess getting to rest a few hours before the tiebreak certainly helps," Praggnanandhaa said at the prize-giving ceremony. After his relatively early draw with Aronian in the Classical game, the Indian had rested in his room for a few hours. Praggnanandhaa also thanked his second for the tournament, GM Vaibhav Suri, and his permanent trainer Grandmaster RB Ramesh on the occasion. The Indian won a cash award of USD 77,667 (around Rs 66 lakh) for his efforts. Results (Round 9): R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 5.5) drew with Levon Aronian (USA, 4); Deac Bogdan-Daniel (Rou, 4) lost to Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 5.5); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 5.5) beat Jan Krzysztof (Pol, 3); Wesley So (4) drew with Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 4.5); D Gukesh (Ind, 4) drew with Fabiano Caruana (USA, 5). Tiebreak result: Praggnanandhaa drew with Firouzja; Firouzja drew with Vachier-Lagrave; Praggnanandhaa beat Vachier-Lagrave.
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First Post
19-05-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Praggnanandhaa extends lead in FIDE Circuit Rankings, eyes World Championship clash with Gukesh
Indian GM R Praggnanandhaa extended his lead in the 2025 FIDE Circuit leaderboard by 28 points after winning the Superbet Chess Classic Romania. With strong performances this year, he is emerging as a top contender to qualify for the Candidates Tournament and eventually earn a chance to challenge reigning world champion D Gukesh. read more Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has strengthened his grip at the top of the 2025 FIDE Circuit leaderboard after his first-ever Grand Chess Tour title at Superbet Classic 2025_._ He is now leading with a solid 28-point margin over the rest of the players. The 19-year-old has emerged as a serious contender for next year's Candidates Tournament, thanks to his consistent performances this season. 🇮🇳 Praggnanandhaa extends his lead — setting the pace with a commanding margin! With his victory at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, @rpraggnachess strengthens his position at the top of the #FIDECircuit rankings, now leading by a remarkable 28 points! 🏆♟️ — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) May 18, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The FIDE Circuit is a points-based system introduced to decide one of the spots for the Candidates Tournament, which decides who will play in the World Chess Championship. Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh is the current world champion title holder after he defeated China's Ding Liren last year. The player who wins the Candidates in 2026 will challenge Gukesh. He has now collected valuable points from multiple tournaments throughout the season, building a strong case for a Candidates seat. The gap between him and the second-placed Ding Liren is 27.76 points. With several events still left in the year, Praggnanandhaa will be hoping to keep the momentum going. Praggnanandhaa's latest boost in the rankings came after he won the Superbet Chess Classic Romania 2025. Although he finished the classical segment tied for first with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alireza Firouzja, he kept his calm and beat Vachier-Lagrave in the final blitz tiebreaker game to seal the title. 'I have always dreamt of winning a GCT event, Winning the Superbet Chess Classic is indeed dream come true. I'm grateful to my coach, team, family, and supporters for their unwavering belief in me,' Praggnandhaa said after the win in Bucharest. I have always dreamt of winning a GCT event, Winning the #SuperbetChessClassic is indeed dream come true. I'm grateful to my coach, team, family, and supporters for their unwavering belief in me. — Praggnanandhaa (@rpraggnachess) May 17, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This was his second big title of 2025 after winning the Tata Steel Chess tournament earlier in the year. His prize money for the Superbet win was $77,667 (approx. Rs 66.5 lakh). Earlier this month, Praggnanandhaa contested in the Poland leg of the Superbet Chess Classic, where he secured a strong third place.
