Four Indians in last eight for the first time ever
In an interview with Outlook during the Global Chess League (GCL), Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi had said he had not missed his meditation a single day for 900 days. It seems to be helping him every step of the way. On Monday, Gujrathi shocked Russian GM Ian Nepomniachtchi via the tie-breaker to reach the quarterfinals of the FIDE Chess World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Gujrathi won 2-0 in the 10-minute rapid segment of the tie-break to qualify for the quarterfinals for a second time.
For the first time ever, India has four players in the last eight. Gujrathi joins the bright young trinity of Indian chess -- D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi -- in the quarters.
"We are doing very well, what can I say. Everybody is showing a very high level of play,” Gujrathi said.
"Pragg defeated Hikaru (Nakamura) which is not easy. Arjun was very clinical with his wins, especially against (Javokhir) Sindarov. Gukesh won with Black against Wang Hao, which is never easy."
Gujrathi takes on Nijat Abasov of Azerbaijan in the quarterfinals. Gukesh faces world No.1 Magnus Carlsen while Praggnanandhaa will play Erigaisi.
Gujrathi had spoken highly of India’s chess environment in the interview with ‘Outlook’.
“I think there's a very good culture right now,” he said. “So if you are talented and if you are doing well, you will get a lot of attention, especially when you're young. There are a lot of good coaches in India right now who at some point were good players. The sponsorship has also increased in recent times.
“One more thing is that many of the Indian kids are hardworking, whereas in Europe or the USA the kids have other opportunities which are equally lucrative,” Gujrathi added.
On meditation, he said, “I would say [I meditate] 10 to 15 minutes a day. It has really helped me in handling my emotions.”