A brilliant find

Let's have a look at an absolutely amazing position from round seven of Sasikiran's game at the Prague Open 2026:

In the above position, Sasikiran kicked off the combination with the move Rc8! Taking the rook is not possible because after Qxc8 Qxf7 White wins! So after Rc8 Black went ...Qd5 and Sasikiran continued with his brilliant play by Rxg8+ Kxg8, and we reach the next position.

The move here played was d7! Absolutely stunning. The queen cannot take the pawn because of Nxf6+. The rook cannot take the pawn because of Nxf6+. The queen on d5 cannot take the queen on a2 because of d8=Q. Absolutely crazy chess!

Qe6! Incredible, isn't it? Qxe6 is met with the pawn promoting forward! And if the queen is not taken, Nxf6+ is a major threat. There followed ...Rb1+ (after Qe6) Kh2 Rd1 Nxf6+ Kh8 and now d8=Q+ Qxd8 Qxf7. Game over.

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Winner of the Prague Open 2026 - Krishnan Sasikiran | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

Abhyudaya Ram (AR): Congratulations on winning the open section of the Prague Chess Festival 2026! What are your immediate thoughts on this victory?

Sasikiran Krishnan (SK): Thank you. I felt I was in quite good shape throughout the event. Early on, specifically in round four, I had a dominating position playing Black but missed the win, which was upsetting. In the next game, I also had a very nice advantage but allowed my opponent to get back into it. After those rounds, I realized I just needed to get back to normalcy, play a bit quicker, and stop missing my chances.

Sasikiran's games - Rounds 4 & 5

AR: You played with the Black pieces in the final round. What was your approach going into that game?

SK: My main goal was to play as solidly as possible. I had a strange experience at the Nationals last year, where I led the whole way but lost in the tenth round after messing up in time trouble. I didn't want to falter at the last moment here. During the game, I actually offered my opponent a draw because it would have guaranteed me a share of first place. To his credit, he declined, but I felt he was running more risk than I was. Eventually, he blundered with g3, and after d3, the position was winning for me.

Sasikiran with the black pieces in the final round against Samir Sahidi | Photo: Prajwal Bhat

Pure willpower - K. Sasikiran | Photo: Prajwal Bhat

AR: This win means you've qualified for the Prague Challengers 2027. How does that feel?

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SK: It is a nice feeling because you know you have earned your spot. It is still a year away, so it's a long way off, but I hope to play well when the time comes.

The winners of the Prague Open 2026 | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

AR: You are a legend of Indian chess and continue to perform at a high level. Aside from playing, are you focusing on training others or perhaps writing?

SK: Not really. I find it difficult because the focus required for training (others) is completely different from preparing for over-the-board play. Training requires a lot of specific material to teach, and I feel that energy dissipates when you try to do both. Lately, my attitude is just to enjoy every tournament I play and try to create good games. I used to feel much more pressurised when I lost rating points or messed up good positions, but now I just focus on making a recovery and enjoying the process.

AR: What is next on your calendar?

SK: I have nothing planned for March, but I intend to play a Freestyle Chess (Chess 960) tournament in Grenke. I used to play a lot of 960 events back in 2002 and 2003 in Mainz, and I'm happy to see those tournaments coming back. My motto now is that playing chess should be fun and enjoyable.

Sasikiran gained 14 Elo points and is now back to 2550+. It is very likely that he soon will be back in the 2600+ rating club | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

AR: Finally, the Candidates Tournament is about to begin. Who is your pick to win?

SK: I am supporting Praggnanandhaa. I am just hoping that he wins. It is a very tough field, and I believe winning the Candidates requires a small factor of luck. You can prepare extensively with seconds, but to get everything you prepared onto the board, you need that element of luck. I really hope Pragg gets it.

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AR: Thank you so much for your time, Sasikiran, and congratulations once again!

SK: Thank you.

Sasikiran's scorecard at the Prague Open 2026

Final standings - Prague Open

...357 players

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