Norway Chess: Beating Carlsen is special, but timing matters more: Praggnanandhaa

These are extraordinary instances, it ought to be mentioned. It isn’t usually that Magnus Carlsen loses a classical chess recreation. However, the unthinkable appears to be enjoying out on the Norway Chess because the Norwegian famous person, thought of one of many biggest ever, has suffered 4 defeats within the match to this point.

R. Praggnanandhaa, who appears to have the wooden on Carlsen, beating him twice within the occasion, in classical, was delighted to take action. The wins for the Indian got here within the third and eighth rounds.

He outmanouvered the world’s finest participant within the eighth spherical on Tuesday, capitalising on a blunder by his opponent beneath time strain.

“I believe beating him in any format is sweet. However greater than that, I believe successful at this stage of the match is extra vital,” Praggnanandhaa mentioned, responding to a query if beating Carlsen a 3rd time within the classical format felt like a standard factor or was nonetheless one to savour.

Requested if the World No.1’s aura was waning, he mentioned it was not so and added, “it’s only one match that, like a number of moments don’t go your manner… I believe he’s nonetheless the perfect.”

Additionally, Praggnanandhaa mentioned he has been concerned in some well-contested matches towards Carlsen and added that he loved enjoying him.

I wouldn’t say I felt intimidated. I at all times felt extra excited enjoying him. In order that at all times brings my finest.

“I at all times felt extra excited enjoying him. In order that at all times brings my finest. We even have had a variety of thrilling, preventing video games,” he added.

The Indian Grandmaster didn’t appear to agree that there was a change of guard in a way with Carlsen’s fortunes on the wane, particularly on this match.

“I imply, we’re already there. I believe we’re among the many finest gamers. I don’t assume there’s… I don’t assume there’s a change of guard or something. All this stuff I believe are exaggerated,” he added.