R Praggnanandhaa Falls to Former Coach Sandipan Chanda in Doha Rapid and Blitz

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa suffered a stunning defeat to his former coach, GM Sandipan Chanda, in Round 5 of the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2025 at the ongoing World Rapid and Blitz Championships on December 26, 2025. Despite holding a winning position, the 20-year-old India No. 2 blundered under time pressure, allowing the 2553-rated Chanda to stage a remarkable comeback and secure the victory. A viral video captured Praggnanandhaa's shellshocked expression upon realizing his error, with his head dropping in disbelief as the loss sank in, quickly spreading across social media platforms like X.

Chanda, ranked 86th in the open rapid section, has been in scintillating form, defeating top-tier opponent Levon Aronian in Round 4 before toppling his ex-protégé, amassing 4 out of 5 points alongside GM Nihal Sarin after the opening day. The 45-year-old veteran, who served as Viswanathan Anand's second during the 2013 World Championship match against Magnus Carlsen, previously mentored Praggnanandhaa and his sister, R. Vaishali, through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA) during their formative years. This upset added an emotional layer, turning a tactical battle into a poignant mentor-student showdown at the Qatar University Sports and Events Complex.

Praggnanandhaa's day was otherwise mixed, starting with a win but hampered by draws and another loss to a lower-rated opponent, leaving him on 3/5 points amid a challenging field featuring Magnus Carlsen, D Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi—who were among the joint leaders. The rapid event, part of the prestigious championships running until December 30 with over €1 million in prizes, showcases high-stakes 15-minute games with a 10-second increment, where time management often decides outcomes. Chanda's resurgence highlights the depth of Indian chess talent, with 28 players from the country competing in the open section.

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The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of rapid chess, where even elites like Praggnanandhaa—fresh from a stellar classical season—can falter, while veterans like Chanda prove their enduring class. As the tournament progresses into blitz phases, Indian fans eagerly await recoveries and potential podium finishes from their contingent in this global showdown.

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