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R. Praggnanandhaa said Magnus Carlsen’s viral reaction after losing to Gukesh Dommaraju was instinctive but not ideal.
Magnus Carlsen (left) reacts after losing to D Gukesh. (Screengrab/NorwayChess)
Teenage Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa opened up on the recent controversy surrounding Magnus Carlsen’s reaction after losing to Gukesh Dommaraju.
Nothing could be more dramatic in modern chess than Carlsen pounding his fist on the table after losing to Gukesh at the elite Norway Chess tournament recently. The incident quickly went viral on social media across various time zones.
When asked if the reaction was beneficial for popularising the game or if FIDE should set boundaries, Praggnanandhaa remarked that he might have reacted similarly, but it became such a sensation because Carlsen is a notable figure.
“Yes, it was an instinctive reaction. I think it does happen to players. I’ve done it sometimes, but rarely.
“I mean, it’s (me hitting the table) not as powerful as Magnus because he’s a strong guy, but Gukesh has done it and many others. It’s just an instinctive reaction because you’re so focused that it just comes out.
“But, I mean, is it a good thing? Maybe not. I don’t think so because I guess it’s not good. (Having said that), I think so many people got to know that something like this happened and it became such a big thing on the internet.
“And, I think it’s good for the game in a way because a lot of people got to know that there was such a tournament going on and that such a dramatic game happened.
“So, I think there are some good things and bad things, but I think overall, chess is growing. That’s what matters.”
Is Magnus Still The Best Chess Player In The World?
Recently, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand commented that Magnus Carlsen “wanted to draw a line in the sand” to affirm his position as the best amid rising competition from young Indian players.
With a nine-year-old coming close to beating him in an online game, it seems that competition is intensifying.
“I think Magnus is still the best player in the world. And I don’t think there is any question about it. Whenever he plays a tournament, he is the favourite. He has been proving that he is still the best by winning every tournament.
“For me, personally, I take a lot of inspiration from him, the way he plays.
“For example, he won 9 out of 9 (games) in Grand Slam Freestyle Tournament, which I don’t think anyone can do except Magnus. So, yeah, it’s just brilliant.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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