Praggnanandhaa R’s coach, Ramachandran Ramesh, named Pragg’s preparation team. Ramesh thanks them for their help, and notes their contribution to Pragg’s progress.

Ramesh Ramachandran

Ramesh Ramachandran

Praggnanandhaa’s coach

“We would like to go public and express our sincere thanks to GM Mahel Boyer and GM Joseph Girel, both from France, for helping Praggnanandhaa in his opening preparations over the last couple of years. Along with GM Vaibhav Suri, we have been able to build a compact unit with a high level of trust in each other.

We feel this is a good time the chess world comes to know about the silent, behind the scenes contribution of Joseph and Mahel in Pragg’s progress. Thank you, boys!”

Praggnanandhaa added, thanking Vaibhav after his win at Norway Chess 2026:

Praggnanandhaa R

Praggnanandhaa R

Indian GM

“Big thanks to Vaibhav Suri for helping me with preparation!

Apart from deciding on openings I also torture him to decide on my dinner orders every day.”

Pragg’s seconds’ ratings:

  • 🇫🇷 GM Mahel Boyer (2485)
  • 🇫🇷 GM Joseph Girel (2492)
  • 🇮🇳 GM Vaibhav Suri (2569)

The Norway Chess 2026 took place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Praggnanandhaa R won the tournament with a score of 18/30. Pragg defeated Magnus Carlsen both times in the double Round-Robin.

Credit: Vaibhav Suri X