Parimarjan Negi... the real challenges lie ahead. — File Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

NEW DELHI: "My coaches have always stressed on the importance of staying focused on the job on hand. They have always maintained that if the method and execution are right, the result is bound to be pleasant. I make a sincere effort to follow their instruction. I leave the rest to God. I must say, God has been kind to me."

These words from a humble 13-year-old amply reflect the maturity of a truly exceptional chess talent. After all, Parimarjan Negi is known to bury himself in encyclopaedias and literature on wisdom when not studying chess books. Come to think of it, he is not the youngest Grandmaster in the world today for nothing.

Scaling a new high

On Saturday, Parimarjan lived up to the promise of making it to the all-time list of youngest Grandmasters.

A second place in the list that includes the legendary Bobby Fischer is something to be proud of. But the youngster doesn't have the time to rejoice or relax. He has commitments to keep.

Soon after making history and finishing runner-up in Satka, Russia, Parimarjan headed for Athens where he is due to play on the top board for Club Patra in the Greek League beginning on Monday.

Speaking to The Hindu from Athens, Parimarjan said, "it is one of the toughest events so far in my career and I am determined to do well for my club which is not among the favourites. Depending on how our team fares, my likely opponents might well include Alexei Dreev, David Navara, Zurab Azmaiparashvili and Jan Gustafsson. It is sure to be a good learning experience for me."

On becoming the youngest Grandmaster in the world today, the eighth standard student of Delhi's Amity International School said he did not thing too much about it. "Honestly, the record (of being the youngest Grandmaster) never crossed my mind. It feels good to have become a Grandmaster but what makes me really happy is the fact that I made the final norm without losing a game."

Spate of records

Records are not new to Parimarjan. He remains the youngest Indian to beat a Grandmaster, youngest Indian to make an International Master norm as well as the one to gain the title. And now, the feat of being the youngest GM in the country rests lightly on his shoulders.

"The records are fine but the real challenges lie ahead. As Viswanathan Anand Sir says, `"one has to continue enjoy playing chess in order to do well at the highest level.' I have a long way to go," said Parimarjan, indicating that he was not keen to look too far ahead.

In his hour of glory, Parimarjan was quick to express his gratitude to SEBI Chairman M. Damodran, Tata Group's Chairman R. K. Krishna Kumar and to Air-India for all their support and encouragement. "Their help was God-sent and I owe a great deal to them." Looking back, the last six months have been very fruitful for Parimarjan.

Backed by the sustained efforts of his coaches Evgeny Vladimirov, Ruslan Sherbakov and Alexander Goloshchapov, Parimarjan performed commendably and made three Grandmaster norms by producing some stunning results.

Candid as usual, Parimarjan said, "I am more confident now and my opening repertoire, especially with black, is better. Still there is a lot of work to be done. The tag of a Grandmaster will make life as a chess player more difficult for me. I know I will have to work harder to progress from here."

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail