Bengaluru: World chess sensation R Praggnanandhaa has broken convention by revealing his extended team of seconds, including two French grandmasters, Joseph Girel and Mahel Boyer, who have been instrumental in his recent success.
The team, led by coach and mentor RB Ramesh, has been working together for close to two years, with Girel and Boyer joining the setup after impressing Ramesh at a training camp in Italy.
Praggnanandhaa's decision to acknowledge Girel and Boyer publicly comes after his remarkable win at the Norway Chess title with four classical wins in a row.
According to Ramesh, the original plan was to name the team members after the World Championship, but with the Norway Chess win, it seemed like the right time to give them the recognition they deserve.
Girel and Boyer have been a key part of Praggnanandhaa's preparation team, bringing a burst of energy and ideas to the table. They have also been known to bond with Praggnanandhaa over their shared love of cheese, with Girel and Boyer even trying cheese naans during their visit to India.
