Mumbai Mumbai. Just over a week is left for the start of the second season of the Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, and Indian chess Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who will be competing for PBG Alaska Knights, expressed his excitement for the upcoming tournament. The second season will take place in London from October 3 to October 12 and Nihal, who will be back as Prodigy this year, said he likes the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
“I am really excited to be back in the tournament, especially considering how it went last year. All the top players are playing this year as well and so, I am really looking forward to it,” the 20-year-old said.
He further added, “The Global Chess League is an interesting concept because the team format means that sometimes we have to play keeping in mind our chances on the other board. Those dynamics are always complex and point scoring depends on the team's strategy. No one can predict how it will progress, which makes it exciting.” In its first season, the Global Chess League revolutionized the sport with its unique team format. The first-of-its-kind franchise-based league features a total of six teams, with each team having six players – one icon player, two superstar male players, two superstar female players and one prodigy in each team.
“My goal this year is to serve my team's needs to the best of my abilities. The scoring system in this league invites a change in style in different colours, which makes it even more exciting. Plans keep evolving. Though it is difficult to track other games, I try to learn a few things from some of the players' moves to get an idea of what is going on,” Nihal elaborated on his strategy for the upcoming season.
The first season of the Global Chess League in Dubai captured the imagination of chess fans around the world. It drew the attention of people from across the globe to the sport, with its lively commentary set-up and dynamic visual elements. Nihal said the league is making the sport exciting for fans.
“I think the fan base we have built around chess is the reason to play this sport. People are now watching your moves and finding enjoyment and entertainment- something that has never happened with chess apart from Viswanathan Anand's World Championship matches and the Indian team's performances at the Olympiads. This league is building infrastructure for fans and setting up solid events for fans to enjoy.” Addressing his excitement about returning to London for the league, Nihal said he is looking forward to experiencing the city's chess heritage once again.
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