The legendary Viswanathan Anand on Tuesday hailed the exceptional feat of 4 Indian chess gamers getting into the quarterfinals of the FIDE World Cup 2023, saying it’s a “historic second for Indian chess.” D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujarathi have entered the final eight stage of the world match, being performed in Baku, Azerbaijan. “It’s a historic second for Indian chess as a result of we had a very good hand, which is a number of gamers who’re taking part in, who’re all good… adequate stage to qualify to the ultimate levels,” mentioned Anand in a video shared by chess.com.

Anand, a five-time world champion, mentioned the younger gamers are taking Indian chess by means of a “comfortable time.” “I hoped that a minimum of one or two, merely statistically, will break by means of to the quarterfinals. However actually, 4 of them have managed (to enter quarterfinals). So, it’s a comfortable time for Indian chess, and I’m comfortable,” he added.

In a much-anticipated quarterfinals match, Gukesh will face five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen.

Gujarathi will likely be up in opposition to Azerbaijan’s Nijat Abasov, whereas in an all-Indian quarterfinal, Praggnanandhaa will tackle Erigaisi.

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