Pranav Anand talks about his performance at the "Baku Open" and Azerbaijani chess players

A considerable number of Indian chess players participated in the "Baku Open" festival. Among them, Pranav Anand, ranked third, attracted attention.

The 19-year-old grandmaster finished the tournament in ninth place and told Idman.Biz how the game went for him in the capital of Azerbaijan.

He gave a critical assessment of his participation in the festival.

"My performance in the tournament was ambiguous. On the one hand, I got off to a good start, scoring five points in the first six rounds. But losing to my compatriot Mayank Chakraborty in the seventh round disrupted my plans. Although I managed to win later and improve the situation, I lost again at the finish. It's upsetting to lose to Sina Movahad, the winner of the "Baku Open", with white pieces. If I had at least drawn, I could have joined the fight for the top three," P.Anand admitted.

At the same time, the Indian praised the organization of the competition.

"What I saw in Baku impressed me. We played in the spacious "Crystal Hall" with a seaside view. I was told that the World Chess Olympiad in 2016 was held here. The organizing committee created all the conditions for a comfortable stay and play, I liked everything very much," said P.Anand.

Anand also shared his thoughts on Azerbaijani chess players:

"Your players have maintained a high level for many years. New names are emerging - Khazar Babazade finished the "Baku Open" in the top three, Khagan Ahmad plays interestingly. A meeting with any opponent from Azerbaijan promises a difficult game. I felt it here too, I played with both Babazade and Tunar Davudov."

P.Anand reacted in his own way to the opinion of a number of experts that he stands out for his strategic playing style:

"I fulfilled my first two grandmaster norms in 2022. That year I also won the World Championship among chess players under 16, and the following year I came first in the rapid festival in Bill. Understanding strategic thinking comes with age, but in every game I try to operate widely and realize any opportunity. Even the one that doesn't seem the most obvious at first glance. Therefore, I continue to refine my style, while trying to take the best from legendary grandmasters and create something of my own."

He also said that in the near future he will be fighting for a place in the top 50 of the world rankings. Anand is currently ranked 61st.