Raahul stuns city-mate, childhood rival Praggu

Pune: International Master VS Raahul is suffering from a worrisome rating slide. But he used the opportunity of his matchup against R Praggnanandhaa (Elo 2690) to score a morale-boosting win at PYC Hindu Gymkhana here on Wednesday.
Raahul — Elo 2478 in March last year and Elo 2306 now — won in 26 moves of Nimzo Indian opening (classical defense) although his team ONGC ‘B’ lost to Indian Oil ‘A’ 1-3 in the third round of the inter-petroleum team championship.
Raahul, 19, scored his first win over Praggu after about 13 years. He had beaten his more illustrious two-year junior Chennai mate when Praggu was just 5.
In the subsequent two games, Praggu had drawn one and won another.
“My aim in this tournament is to play these players and do well against them,” said Raahul referring to a strong field here. “This is my biggest win in terms of rival of the highest rating strength although it came in the rapid format (25 minutes and 10 sec increment). My earlier big scalps were in the region of Elo 2500 to 2600.
“Our team’s aim was to hold the stronger team. But I was open to score once the opportunity came. As I was in a better position, I could not afford to make mistake especially because the rival team is way stronger.”
Raahul indicated that he took Praggu in somewhat uncomfortable terrain.
“I personally know him for a long time. And we both are aware about our comfort levels in particular positions and openings. He went out of theory quickly and soon we both were on our own.
“If he does react properly, he could have equalised. But strong players tend to show more weaknesses in the shorter format as there is far less time to rectify (the position) as compared to the standard time control. Need to calculate, your feeling about the position at that time and pressure plays a big role and not computer evaluation.”
Two dubious bishop moves by Praggu at the end were more than enough as Raahul converted the advantage in a swift manner. “He had this plan to checkmate my uncastled king at the centre with two bishops. But I was careful.”
Raahul was trained by Praggu’s coach GM RB Ramesh in his initial years and now trains under Vishnu Prasanna. “I was playing like GM strength at the start of last year,” said Raahul. “But some bad results played on my mind and I slipped further. Now I am working on the mental aspect of my game too.”
The league cum knockout championship will end with semis and finals on Friday. The nine-round individual championship will be played on the weekend.