Vaishali benefitted from Pranesh’s presence. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Chess is said to take a toll on the players mentally. It is here the role of a second or sparring partner becomes crucial, and M. Pranesh performed it rather well for World championship challenger R. Vaishali. The 19-year-old Grandmaster from Karaikudi was brought on board to not only help Vaishali game-wise but also keep things light during the FIDE Candidates in Cyprus. “It was very crucial. Pranesh made sure that I was not getting tense, and his presence was valuable,” Vaishali, who won the tournament to fight with China’s Ju Wenjun for the world title, said on her arrival. Published – April 19, 2026 11:23 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation 405th Prakash Purab of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahebji celebrated with gaiety in Hyderabad Vijay holds a roadshow in Tiruchi East, offers prayers at places of worship