Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa discussed his experiences at Norway Chess 2026, highlighting the demands of top-level competition and the need for breaks to avoid burnout.
R. Praggnanandhaa, aged 20, reflected on his early start in chess, which included earning the International Master title at age 10. He noted the intense schedule that led him to visit seven countries in three months last year. The Chennai player said he plans to skip some events like the Esports World Cup to prioritise recovery. Speaking about the tournament format, Praggnanandhaa stated that the strong field requires consistent performance against all opponents. He added that he enjoys the game and tries to give his best in every match. He also mentioned feeling burnt out at times due to repetitive routines across events. On personal matters, Praggnanandhaa said he has no school or college friends because of his focus on chess. He noted that his sister, R. Vaishali, helped him cope with disappointment after the Candidates Tournament. He uses engines for preparation but does not rely on advanced AI tools.
