Indian chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa has offered a frank self-assessment of his recent performances, acknowledging a dip in form as he sets his sights on a critical reboot for the 2026 Candidates tournament. The young Grandmaster, who endured a packed schedule last year in his quest for qualification, admits the relentless pace has impacted his game.
The Gruelling Road to Qualification
The year 2025 was a marathon for Praggnanandhaa, as he competed in nearly every major chess event. This exhaustive campaign was largely driven by his pursuit of valuable points on the FIDE Circuit rating leaderboard—a chase that ultimately proved successful, securing his coveted spot in the 2026 Candidates. However, the toll of continuous play is now evident. After a dominant first half with victories at the Tata Steel Masters, the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, and the Uzchess Cup, plus joint-first finishes at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial and the Sinquefield Cup, his momentum waned towards the year's end.
Expectations were high at subsequent events like the Grand Chess Tour finals, the World Cup in Goa, and the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, but Praggnanandhaa concedes he fell short of his own lofty standards. "I'm not thinking about the Candidates. 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," he stated candidly. He attributes this partially to the non-stop tournament calendar, leaving little time for reflection or deep preparation.
Recent Struggles and a Glimmer of Hope
The recent Tata Steel Chess India event in Kolkata highlighted these challenges. In the Rapid segment, he finished sixth with 4.5 points in a 10-player field, never truly contending for the title. The Blitz event began with losses to Hans Moke Niemann and Aravindh Chithambaram. Although he managed a draw against legend Viswanathan Anand and a win over Arjun Erigaisi, the day ended with a mixed bag of results.
Despite the outcomes, Praggnanandhaa found a silver lining, believing his game quality in Kolkata was an improvement over his last few outings. "I think the game quality was much better than in previous tournaments... But also, it's a completely different tournament; it's Rapid and Blitz, so mistakes tend to happen. Somehow today, I didn't feel like I was fully there. Something was off," he explained after the first day of Blitz.
The Path to the Candidates: A Strategic Break
The 2026 season presents monumental opportunities for the 21-year-old. He is set to be the sole Indian representative at the Candidates tournament in Cyprus, where he will battle compatriot D Gukesh and other elite players for the right to challenge for the World Championship. Additionally, they will join forces to defend India's gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.
Recognising the need to peak at the right time, Praggnanandhaa has planned a crucial hiatus. After his appearance at the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, his calendar is clear for February and March. "So I'll have time to prepare. It's good to have a break before the Candidates, as I have been playing a lot," he said. This two-month window is earmarked for regrouping, deep preparation, and rediscovering his best form.
Reflecting on his previous Candidates experience in Toronto 2024, where he finished fifth with three wins, three losses, and eight draws in a fiercely strong field, Praggnanandhaa is focused on a stronger campaign. With the break ahead and a clear target, the Indian prodigy is determined to reset and launch a focused assault on the biggest prize in chess.
