On current form, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa can be considered one of the most dangerous opponents in world chess, even more dangerous than world No. 1 Carlsen, says Pravind Thipsay.
Mumbai schoolgirl Siddhali Shetye also scored a major upset, beating Saheli Barua in the Commonwealth chess championship.
If winning the National Championship does not help a player make the national team, what exactly is the value of becoming India's national champion?
Nagalakshmi, mother of Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, shares insights into her son's success following his Norway Chess 2026 triumph, emphasising hard work and enjoying the process. She also discusses the siblings' journey into chess, their mutual support, and the significant influence of Viswanathan Anand.
As India's remarkable chess revolution gathers momentum, teenagers Rishabh Kumar and Adhiraj Mitra are ensuring that the country's future on the 64 squares remains brighter than ever.
FIDE Women's World Cup final: Humpy draws with Divya in first game
The tie-breaker, which will be a series of shorter-duration games, will be played on Monday to determine the winner.
'The championship was well fought this year.' 'Ding played better than expected. Gukesh was below his level, but good enough to beat Ding.'
'Scrapping titles like WIM, WGM and a separate women's category will kill women's interest in chess.'
Joining the elite 2,800 rated chess players club will get Arjun invites for top chess tournaments as well as better appearance fees.
'She is now a role model for the upcoming young generation. And I am sure that this victory will definitely motivate and inspire the Indian women, and those who are coming up.'
Ding will face a stern challenge from the 18-year-old Gukesh, who "doesn't make any mistakes at all" and has had a terrific run in 2024.
She became the fifth Woman Grandmaster of the country after settling for a quick draw with Vishal Sareen at the Commonwealth Chess Championships.
'We need more support from states to back budding talents from not-so-affluent families.'
'I see an unjust personal attack by some players, probably due to sheer jealousy.'
Sessions judge Abhay Thipsay denied him bail after considering the police submission that a prima facie case had been made out against Pravin and that he may abscond if he was granted liberty.
Nine players share the lead after the second round in the 41st National 'A' Chess Championship.
'The Indian Open team was extremely well prepared and motivated to win the gold medal.' 'With two players in the world top 10 club, and four players with over 2,700 ELO points (GMs Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, all below 20) and Vidit Gujrathi and P Harikrishna, it was a solid team.'
The top seed drew his 11th round match against third seeded Ajbhijit Kunte in the men's National A chess championship.
The top seeded GM leads the field in the National 'B' chess championship.
'It will bring the next wave of awareness and pursuit of excellence from people who want to take chess as a game or a competitive sport or even as a career.'
'I have no idea about such a medal. Never got one,' says Surya Shekhar Ganguly, the national chess champion between 2003 and 2008.
It has bolstered the home team's medal chances at the 14-day event, which is expected to see massive participation from more than 150 countries.
A summary of sports events and sports persons, who made news on Saturday.
