Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa helping his sister turn queen of 64 squares

Becoming GM tough, that’s why there are only two women Grandmasters in India, says Vaishali

Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa picked up chess watching his elder sister R. Vaishali play, but he soon began beating her.

“At 10, he became stronger than me, became the youngest International Master in the world. He took all his norms quickly. That’s when he got really strong. He is very talented and hardworking,” Vaishali, India No. 3 among women and an International Master herself, told The Hindu at Kalady on Thursday. “We used to have a lot of fights initially when he started beating me.”

Now, along with his own goals, Pragg is helping his sister achieve her big dream – of becoming a Grandmaster (GM) herself. “I practise often with her, that helps her,” said the 16-year-old Pragg.

It’s not easy for a woman to become a GM, said Vaishali. “Becoming a GM is tough, that’s why there are only two women who are Grandmasters in India. Chess-wise, he teaches me a lot of things,” said the 20-year-old.

“I can easily discuss anything with him. And since he plays GM-level players, he knows how they think, that way he helps me. I already have one GM norm [one needs three to become a GM]. I missed GM norm thrice, somehow I’m getting closer. Hopefully, I will get it this year, that’s my goal.”

How far does she think her little brother will travel in the sport? “Even Anand Sir is playing and learning at this age. Pragg has a long way to go... many top players say he has the potential to become a world champion,” she said.

So, what does she do to ensure that he stays on his feet? “I think it comes naturally comes to him, he will not allow anything to go to his head. That’s his biggest plus, negative things or positive things, they will never affect him. That’s one quality I should get from him.”