R Praggnanandhaa calls Magnus Carlsen 'far from invincible'

In Baku last month, Praggnanandhaa enjoyed a dream World Cup run, becoming the competition's youngest finalist and earning a spot in the 2024 Candidates tournament, where the victor would play China's Ding Liren in the World Championship. After Bobby Fischer and Carlsen, the Indian youngster is the third-youngest player to qualify for the Candidates event.

Ian Nepomniachtchi, Fabiano Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa are the only players who have already qualified for the Candidates event; the other five seats will be decided by the end of the year.

"I don't think it is going to be added pressure. I just want to take it as another tournament. If you think it's very important, then you start putting added pressure. I just want to play like how I play in the last three tournaments," he said.

"There is a lot more to achieve in chess for me. This is just one small step, but still a very good one," Praggnanandhaa said.

If that makes the field easier, Praggnanandhaa responded,"Not really, everyone else is also very strong. It's not like it's going to be easy or anything.

"Candidates is going to be a really strong event. It requires not only chess aspect but you have to be in good shape to fight, physically and mentally.

Praggnanandhaa, who enjoys playing badminton and watching cricket, frequently tries new sports in Chennai to stay in shape.

But while he's competing, he frequently takes lengthy walks or talks to himself in order to "de-stress."

"It might sound strange, but I talk to myself to prepare myself mentally. In a proper attitude, it works for me. It's different for everyone, so we have to find our own way in that. I try to be in the right shape," he revealed about his preparation.

Praggnanandhaa, a graduate of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, claimed that merely conversing with the Indian chess master Anand gives him more confidence.

"In general, speaking to him gives you a lot of confidence. Knowing that you are working with a five-time world champion and one of the greatest of the game, he has helped me a lot through WACA," he said.

Praggnanandhaa had to go to Delhi for a Sports Ministry honours ceremony the next day, just a day after arriving in his birthplace of Chennai to a thunderous welcome. The next day, he will be in Kolkata for an Asian Games men's camp before the Indian squad departs for Hangzhou at the end of this month.

"It (life) has changed a lot in the sense that now a lot of people know about chess in general. A lot of people recognise me. It has changed in that way.

"It's good for the game. I think many more young players will start playing, many more sponsors will come to the game. So, chess becoming popular, as a fan, I'm very happy to see that," he said.

"I was keen to attend the Indian team camp along with these players Arjun, Gukesh... I'm just trying to focus on chess right now. So far, it's been okay. I hope to continue the good work," he signed off.