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Susan Ninan

Articles by Susan Ninan

India set to host 2025 Fide World Cup

The marquee event held once every two years will offer its top three finishers a spot in the 2026 Candidates

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa (right). (PTI)

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Published on Jan 20, 2025 08:12 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Whose game is it anyway? The Carlsen vs Fide battle

In a span of six days, a pair of jeans and an unprecedented shared world title laid bare the already simmering rift between the game’s governing body and one of its greatest players

Kolkata: Five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway plays against Indian Grandmaster R Pragganandhaa on the Day 1 of Tata Steel Chess India Rapid, in Kolkata, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (PTI Photo/Swapan Mahapatra)(PTI11_13_2024_000213A) (PTI)

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Published on Jan 07, 2025 10:47 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

I didn’t want to quit like a loser: Koneru Humpy

In an interview with HT, the newly crowned women’s world rapid chess champion spoke about struggling with motivation, training without engines and not setting goals

India's Koneru Humpy after winning the women’s crown in the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2024 in New York. (PTI)

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Updated on Dec 30, 2024 09:36 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Magnus Carlsen to play world blitz after Fide appeasement

“Definitely playing in jeans” says world No.1 after Fide eases dress code rules to allow for “appropriate jeans matching jacket”

Magnus Carlsen was fined and unpaired in Round 9 by Fide for wearing jeans to the playing area on the second day of the rapid event (AP)

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Published on Dec 30, 2024 09:01 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Koneru Humpy: From mulling retirement to a second world rapid crown

The Indian GM who lost in the opening round went on to win the world rapid chess title at 37, five years after her first victory

India’s Koneru Humpy, at 37, now has two Women’s World Rapid Championship titles (PTI)

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Published on Dec 29, 2024 06:33 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

World rapid & blitz: Carlsen walks out of tournament after dress code breach

In a dramatic turn of events, world No 1 and defending champion refused to change after being fined for wearing jeans on Day 2 of the rapid event and chose to exit the tournament

Carlsen walks out of tournament on Day 2 of the rapid event (X/Fide)

India News

Published on Dec 28, 2024 12:49 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

World rapid & blitz: Carlsen walks out of tournament after dress code breach

World No 1 and defending champion refused to change after being fined for wearing jeans on Day 2 of the rapid event and chose to exit the tournament

World No.1 Magnus Carlsen at the World Rapid and Blitz Tournament. (FIDE)

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Published on Dec 28, 2024 10:21 AM IST

BySusan Ninan

From Vishy to Gukesh: The Pole Star of the Indian camp

Team Gukesh member Radoslaw Wojtaszek compared his experience of working with Vishy and Gukesh.

Team Gukesh preparing for the World Championship match. (Left to right) Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Grzegorz Gajewski, Pentala Harikrishna, Vincent Keymer and Gukesh. (Gukesh D)

Cricket

Updated on Dec 19, 2024 07:58 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

'Now, becoming the best player in the world is what I care about most': Gukesh

D Gukesh spoke about the challenges and uncertainties he faced in the match, his favourite opening idea, and who he expects to play in the 2026 match

D Gukesh poses with trophy during a procession held to honour him on becoming the youngest world chess champion in Chennai. (AP)

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Updated on Dec 19, 2024 05:14 AM IST

BySusan Ninan

Harikrishna: The China specialist on Gukesh’s team

In an interview to HT, the 38-year-old Indian GM spoke about his understanding of Chinese players and Ding as a friend

P Harikrishna was one of D Gukesh's seconds. (FIDE)

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Published on Dec 14, 2024 07:56 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

About a boy: 18 but mature beyond his years

At 18, Gukesh Dommaraju wins the FIDE World Championship, showcasing maturity and poise, celebrating his victory with tears and gratitude.

India's D Gukesh reacts after beating title-holder China’s Ding Liren to win world chess championship title. (PTI)

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Updated on Dec 14, 2024 12:17 AM IST

BySusan Ninan

‘Plan was to play long games and exhaust Ding’

In an interview to HT, Gukesh’s trainer Grzegorz Gajewski speaks about how the Indian’s team of seconds was built, the biggest challenge during the match, and the value of surprises

Vincent Keymer (left) and Radoslaw Wojtaszek, who were part of Gukesh’s team of seconds, at a seaside villa an hour from Malaga, Spain, where they camped and assisted the Indian remotely. (X)

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Published on Dec 13, 2024 09:32 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Youngest Indian GM to youngest chess champ

At 18, Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion, fulfilling a dream that began at 11, supported by his family's sacrifices and dedication.

There was a time when Gukesh was chasing the goal of becoming the youngest-ever GM between 2017 and 2018. (Raj K Raj/HT PHOTO)

India News

Updated on Dec 13, 2024 04:49 AM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

Gukesh’s last classical game with White ends in draw

The challenger’s push for win didn’t fructify in the 69-move penultimate classical game against world champion Ding Liren

India's D Gukesh during the 13th game of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore on Wednesday.

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Updated on Dec 11, 2024 10:53 PM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

Gukesh’s hopes could hinge on which Ding he faces

Optimistic challenger versus pessimistic world champion – a lot of what happens next could be down to which version of Ding shows up

D Gukesh will face Ding Liren in the 13th game of the World Chess Championship 2024 on Wednesday. (PTI)

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Published on Dec 10, 2024 10:35 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

World chess: Ding Liren strikes back, levels match

A day after blundering to lose to D Gukesh, the world champion was flawless in Game 12 to level the World Chess Championship 6-6

Ding Liren defeated D Gukesh in Game 12 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore. (PTI)

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Published on Dec 09, 2024 10:42 PM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

I was just trying to make one move at a time and not lose: Gukesh

He was fighting back after wasting the advantage of his opening only to see Ding blunder and resign on move 29

Singapore: India's D Gukesh plays against China’s Ding Liren in the 11th game of the World Chess Championship, in Singapore, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (FIDE/Eng Chin An via PTI Photo) (PTI12_08_2024_000386A) (PTI)

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Updated on Dec 08, 2024 11:23 PM IST

BySusan NinanSusan Ninan

World Chess Championship: Ding-Gukesh draw Game 10, tie-break chances grow

It was easily the most disappointing draw of the match as very little happened in Game 10. The match is tied 5-5 with four classical games left

India's D Gukesh plays against China’s Ding Liren during the World Chess Championship in Singapore. (PTI)

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Updated on Dec 07, 2024 09:40 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

The ‘seconds’ and their role in high-stakes games

Ding Liren's team dynamics and the role of seconds in chess, highlighting their intense preparation and emotional support during World Championship matches.

On most game days, Ding Liren is accompanied by his second, Richard Rapport . (Shutterstock)

India News

Updated on Dec 07, 2024 06:52 AM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

A draw without fireworks leaves match even

Game 9 of the World Championship between Ding Liren and Gukesh ended in an uneventful draw, leaving the match tied at 4.5-4.5 with five games remaining.

India's D Gukesh and China’s Ding Liren exchange greetings during the ninth game of the World Chess Championship. (PTI)

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Updated on Dec 05, 2024 10:37 PM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

World chess: Game 8 thriller ends in another draw

Both Gukesh and Ding had their chances in the 51-move game; the World Championship match remains tied at 4-4

India's D Gukesh plays against China’s Ding Liren during the eighth game of the World Chess Championship in Singapore on Wednesday. (PTI)

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Published on Dec 04, 2024 10:53 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Ding snatches draw from jaws of defeat

Gukesh has Ding on the ropes for most of Game 7 but the world champion digs deep to escape with scores level at halfway

Ding Liren reacts during the seventh game of the World Chess Championship against D Gukesh, in Singapore on Tuesday. (PTI)

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Updated on Dec 04, 2024 05:00 AM IST

BySusan Ninan

A chess contest that bucked all predictions

The World Championship match is tied 3-3, with Ding Liren's cautious play raising questions, while D Gukesh presses on despite challenges.

India's D Gukesh and China’s Ding Liren during the sixth game of the World Chess Championship, in Singapore. (PTI)

India News

Updated on Dec 03, 2024 06:52 AM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

Inside the odd chess ritual of rivals unpacking their battle

In the World Championship, the victor and the vanquished sit side by side after every game, dissecting how they made each other’s lives a nightmare on the board

India's D Gukesh (R) and China’s Ding Liren (L) and American Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley during a press conference. (PTI)

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Published on Dec 02, 2024 09:35 PM IST

BySusan NinanSusan Ninan

World Championship: India’s D Gukesh treads brave path in Game 6 draw vs Ding

The teenager spurned world champion Ding Liren’s early peace offer before battling to split the point after 46 moves

India's D Gukesh and China’s Ding Liren during the sixth game of the World Chess Championship in Singapore on Sunday. (PTI)

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Published on Dec 01, 2024 10:18 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

World chess c’ship: Gukesh escapes with draw in Game 5

In Game 5 of the World Championship, Ding Liren and D Gukesh settled for a quick draw, leaving the match tied at 2.5 points, with nine games remaining.

India's D Gukesh and China’s Ding Liren shake hands after the fifth game of their World Chess Championship ended was drawn in Singapore on Saturday. (PTI)

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Updated on Nov 30, 2024 09:39 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Gukesh fends off surprise, draws Game 4 with Black

Reigning world champion Ding Liren trots out opening surprise, but game fizzles into a draw; scores tied at 2-2 in the World Championship

India's D Gukesh in action against Ding Liren of China at the FIDE World Championship 2024, in Singapore on Friday. (PTI)

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Published on Nov 29, 2024 10:41 PM IST

BySusan Ninan

Can the emperor strike back?

Momentum is with Gukesh but a lot of what happens in the match could hinge on how reigning world champion Ding Liren recovers from the loss in Game 3

Ding Liren at a press conference after his round against D Gukesh during the FIDE World Championships in Singapore. (PTI)

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Published on Nov 28, 2024 09:34 PM IST

BySusan Ninan, Bengaluru

World chess: Gukesh strikes back, levels match

The Indian teenager and Chinese champion Ding Liren are tied on 1.5 points after Game 3, going into the first rest day in Singapore

India's D Gukesh at a press conference after his match against Ding Liren of China at the FIDE World Championship 2024 in Singapore. (PTI)

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Updated on Nov 27, 2024 10:22 PM IST

BySusan NinanSusan Ninan

Check this out, mate: A history of chess chairs

In the World Chess Championship, chair choices reflect players' preferences, impacting comfort and performance, as seen in past dramatic matches.

China’s chess grandmaster Ding Liren (R) and India’s chess grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju (L) compete during the start of the FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore on Tuesday. (AFP)

India News

Updated on Nov 27, 2024 06:12 AM IST

BySusan Ninan

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Susan Ninan

The marquee event held once every two years will offer its top three finishers a spot in the 2026 Candidates

In a span of six days, a pair of jeans and an unprecedented shared world title laid bare the already simmering rift between the game’s governing body and one of its greatest players

In an interview with HT, the newly crowned women’s world rapid chess champion spoke about struggling with motivation, training without engines and not setting goals

“Definitely playing in jeans” says world No.1 after Fide eases dress code rules to allow for “appropriate jeans matching jacket”

The Indian GM who lost in the opening round went on to win the world rapid chess title at 37, five years after her first victory

In a dramatic turn of events, world No 1 and defending champion refused to change after being fined for wearing jeans on Day 2 of the rapid event and chose to exit the tournament

World No 1 and defending champion refused to change after being fined for wearing jeans on Day 2 of the rapid event and chose to exit the tournament

Team Gukesh member Radoslaw Wojtaszek compared his experience of working with Vishy and Gukesh.

D Gukesh spoke about the challenges and uncertainties he faced in the match, his favourite opening idea, and who he expects to play in the 2026 match

In an interview to HT, the 38-year-old Indian GM spoke about his understanding of Chinese players and Ding as a friend

At 18, Gukesh Dommaraju wins the FIDE World Championship, showcasing maturity and poise, celebrating his victory with tears and gratitude.

In an interview to HT, Gukesh’s trainer Grzegorz Gajewski speaks about how the Indian’s team of seconds was built, the biggest challenge during the match, and the value of surprises

At 18, Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion, fulfilling a dream that began at 11, supported by his family's sacrifices and dedication.

The challenger’s push for win didn’t fructify in the 69-move penultimate classical game against world champion Ding Liren

Optimistic challenger versus pessimistic world champion – a lot of what happens next could be down to which version of Ding shows up

A day after blundering to lose to D Gukesh, the world champion was flawless in Game 12 to level the World Chess Championship 6-6

He was fighting back after wasting the advantage of his opening only to see Ding blunder and resign on move 29

It was easily the most disappointing draw of the match as very little happened in Game 10. The match is tied 5-5 with four classical games left

Ding Liren's team dynamics and the role of seconds in chess, highlighting their intense preparation and emotional support during World Championship matches.

Game 9 of the World Championship between Ding Liren and Gukesh ended in an uneventful draw, leaving the match tied at 4.5-4.5 with five games remaining.

Both Gukesh and Ding had their chances in the 51-move game; the World Championship match remains tied at 4-4

Gukesh has Ding on the ropes for most of Game 7 but the world champion digs deep to escape with scores level at halfway

The World Championship match is tied 3-3, with Ding Liren's cautious play raising questions, while D Gukesh presses on despite challenges.

In the World Championship, the victor and the vanquished sit side by side after every game, dissecting how they made each other’s lives a nightmare on the board

The teenager spurned world champion Ding Liren’s early peace offer before battling to split the point after 46 moves

In Game 5 of the World Championship, Ding Liren and D Gukesh settled for a quick draw, leaving the match tied at 2.5 points, with nine games remaining.

Reigning world champion Ding Liren trots out opening surprise, but game fizzles into a draw; scores tied at 2-2 in the World Championship

Momentum is with Gukesh but a lot of what happens in the match could hinge on how reigning world champion Ding Liren recovers from the loss in Game 3

The Indian teenager and Chinese champion Ding Liren are tied on 1.5 points after Game 3, going into the first rest day in Singapore

In the World Chess Championship, chair choices reflect players' preferences, impacting comfort and performance, as seen in past dramatic matches.

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