sem-tn.com – Interviews & Local News Headlines

Anish Giri and Matthias Bluebaum secured their spots in the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 after a strong showing at the FIDE Grand Swiss. R Vaishali defended her title in the women's event, marking her second appearance in the Women’s Candidates Tournament 2026. With Caruana and Nakamura also confirmed, the Candidates Tournament is set to be highly competitive.

India’s top-ranked Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa remains one of the favourites to secure his 2026 Candidates berth, while Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, Nihal Sarin and Pranav V add firepower to India’s record 15-player open section squad.

After Magnus Carlsen’s table-slam went viral following a loss to D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa called it an instinctive reaction — not ideal, but good for chess visibility. While praising Carlsen as the best, Praggnanandhaa reflected on his own breakthrough year, having won three major titles and rising to World No. 4 as he eyes a Candidates spot.

Magnus Carlsen's Team Liquid welcomes the young Indian chess prodigy, R Praggnanandhaa, ahead of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Praggnanandhaa joins other Indian players in the esports arena, while Carlsen and other grandmasters have already secured their spots. Praggnanandhaa will compete in the Last Chance Qualifiers for a chance to participate in the tournament.

Nine-year-old Aarit Kapil drew against world champion Magnus Carlsen in an online chess tournament, showcasing his impressive skills. While Aarit competed in Georgia, V Pranav secured first place in the 'Early Titled Tuesday' event. Carlsen also achieved a historic 2900 rating in freestyle chess, surpassing his previous classical peak and demonstrating his dominance in the chess world.