Emotional Chess Showdown: Praggnanandhaa's Path to World Championship

Viswanathan Anand, vice president of FIDE, envisions an emotional world chess championship between Indian chess prodigies R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh. Praggnanandhaa, a contender in the upcoming Candidates Tournament, offers prospects for a high-stakes clash potentially hosted in Chennai, with significant emotional and cultural implications for both players.

In a thrilling twist to the world of chess, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has hinted at a potential hometown championship for R Praggnanandhaa. If the young prodigy wins the upcoming Candidates Tournament, he could challenge reigning champion D Gukesh in an intense, emotionally charged showdown possibly held in Chennai.

At just 20, Praggnanandhaa is among eight elite players vying for a shot at the world title in the March-April Candidates Tournament. Significantly, both he and 19-year-old Gukesh have been mentored by Anand, adding an extra layer of emotional investment to the competition.

Anand, present at the Jaipur Literature Festival promoting his new book, emphasized the emotional weight such a match would carry. He also reflected on his own career, describing his journey with younger talents and the emotional highs and lows tied to chess's competitive nature. The dates and venue for the anticipated world championship are yet to be announced.

(With inputs from agencies.)