Candidates 2026: GM Shyam Sundar reassures faith in Praggnanandhaa, lauds youth sensation Sindarov

R. Praggnanandhaa had begun FIDE Candidates 2026 strongly, defeating Anish Giri, winner of the 2025 Grand Swiss. However, in the next six rounds, the Indian Grandmaster has managed five draws and one loss, to youth sensation Javokhir Sindarov in Round 3.

“It is not that he (Praggnanandhaa) is doing anything wrong; it is just that Sindarov has been dominating opponents, which makes other results look less convincing,” Grandmaster Shyam Sundar M told Sportstar.

Praggnanandhaa played out a 37-move draw against Matthias Bluebaum, a 41-move draw against Andrey Esipenko, and a quick threefold-repetition draw against Hikaru Nakamura in his last three games.

“It may look like he has settled for easy draws, but we do not know what he is thinking. It is a long tournament, and many factors influence a player. He is not someone who settles for draws; he fights till the end,” Shyam added.

ALSO READ | Candidates 2026 — Sindarov reaping rewards of strategising for years, says chess coach Shyam Sundar

Across these games, Praggnanandhaa has shown a measured approach. He adopted a solid, risk-averse strategy, worked through Esipenko’s defence to hold balance, and used unusual lines in the Nimzo-Indian to neutralise Nakamura.

“It could also be that he felt he had missed something tactically or that things did not go according to plan, and then chose to secure a draw. There is nothing to criticise. He has experience with the Candidates and knows what he is doing,” Shyam added.

Shyam, who has coached several Indian Grandmasters, including Pranav V and Srihari L R, believes the second half could see a shift in approach.

“To stay in contention, it is important how you finish. Even if you start well, faltering in the second half does not help. If he pushes for wins later, the title race could come within reach, and Pragg is capable of creating chances from very little,” he said.

Published on Apr 05, 2026