Praggnanandhaa Opens Up About Recent Form Struggles
Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa has made a candid admission about his current form. The 20-year-old grandmaster from Chennai acknowledged that his performance has dipped in recent months. This comes after an exceptionally busy 2025 competitive season that took its toll on the young player.
A Strong Start Followed by Challenges
Praggnanandhaa began 2025 with remarkable success. He secured victories at several prestigious tournaments during the first half of the year. His triumphs included winning the Tata Steel Masters, claiming the Superbet Chess Classic Romania title, and emerging victorious at the Uzchess Cup. These achievements established him as one of the brightest talents in international chess.
However, the second half of 2025 presented different challenges. His results began to show inconsistency as the year progressed. The Grand Chess Tour finals proved difficult for the young grandmaster. He also faced disappointment at the World Cup held in Goa, where his performance fell short of expectations. The trend continued at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha, where his form remained below his usual standard.
Honest Assessment and Future Focus
When questioned about his current form and the upcoming Candidates tournament, Praggnanandhaa offered a straightforward assessment. "No, not really. I'm not thinking about the Candidates," he told The Indian Express. "It's certainly my play; it's not on the same level as it used to be. Lately, I haven't played up to my best. So, there are certainly areas to work on."
The grandmaster attributed part of his struggle to the demanding chess calendar. "I believe it's partially due to playing continuous tournaments. There's just no time to even think about what's going on. But I think the chess calendar is such that the important tournaments just keep coming," he explained.
Welcoming a Much-Needed Break
Praggnanandhaa expressed relief about finally getting some breathing room in his schedule. After competing in the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, he will have February and March free from tournament commitments. He believes this gap will provide crucial recovery time and preparation opportunities.
"After Wijk aan Zee, I have my calendar free for February and March before the Candidates," Praggnanandhaa said. "So I'll have time to prepare. It's good to have a break before the Candidates, as I have been playing a lot. It's certainly an important year for everyone. It's the Candidates and World Championship year, so I'll be focusing on it and trying to give my best."
The young chess star recognizes the significance of the coming months. With the Candidates tournament approaching, followed by potential World Championship opportunities, 2026 represents a crucial period in his developing career. His honest self-assessment and planned preparation suggest a determined approach to returning to peak form.
