Vladimir Kramnik-mentored Raunak Sadhwani becomes India's 65th Grandmaster

CHENNAI: India has its 65th Grandmaster in Raunak Sadhwani. The 13-year-old has given a good account of himself in the ongoing FIDE Chess.com Grand Swiss tournament at Isle of Man. None could have been happier with Raunak’s exploits than former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. The Russian had trained the youngster along with 5 other young Indian talents as part of the Kramnik-Microsense India Chess Program held in Switzerland in August this year.
"I am proud of Raunak. His play has become much more solid and mature in just a couple of months after our session, and the speed of his improvement is very reassuring," Kramnik told TOI.
The 44-year-old, who called it quits from the sport earlier this year, felt the Nagpur boy’s performance at the Isle of Man defied his age. "He is masterful beyond years in positional play and defence. Facing such an opposition without a single defeat is quite exceptional for his age. I am sure Raunak has great prospects to become a top chess player. This tournament should give him a great push," Kramnik added.
Raunak, on his part, said the camp with Kramnik has made him a better player. "Kramnik sir’s training has been a life-changing thing for me. I have implemented whatever he taught in my games (at the Isle of Man). He has made me psychologically very strong and taken my game to an altogether different level," Raunak told TOI.
Raunak, who still has a few more rounds to go in the competition, is pleased to have crossed a milestone in his life. "I have no words (to describe my feelings at this point of time). I am happy to have fulfilled my short term goal of becoming a Grandmaster," Raunak said.