It is difficult being a chess player in the USA, says world’s youngest GM Abhimanyu Mishra

Abhimanyu Mishra (right) during his match against Leon Mendonca of Ganges Grandmasters during the Global Chess League in Bengaluru. | Photo Credit: SUDHAKARA JAIN

The Global Chess League can be an almost hopeless race against the clock. The lack of increment — for the moves you make — ensures as much. That, of course, has added to the drama of the tournament.

It can be a harrowing experience, though, when you are at the receiving end of it. Abhimanyu Mishra has gone through that, but he has managed to put that behind him.

Playing for PBG Alaskan Knights was, Abhimanyu was well poised for victory the other day against Leon Mendonca of Ganges Grandmasters. But under severe time pressure, he put his promoted queen, after a capture, on the wrong square. His opponent made a claim for an illegal move, which was upheld by the arbiter and now he had to replay the move: but in just one second.

“We would have needed an F1 driver to do that,” Abhimanyu said, smiling, during an interview with Sportstar. “But I am okay with the claim made by Leon. It is what you do especially in a team event, where every point matters. I would have definitely done the same; I would do a lot worse actually.”

He is relishing the experience of playing his maiden GCL. “And I am really glad that I have got an opportunity to play at the GCL,” said the 17-year-old player of Indian origin who is playing for the United States. “I actually wanted to play last year, but somehow it didn’t work out, as I had some school obligations and some other stuff.”

Being a chess player isn’t easy in the United States, according to Abhimanyu, who holds the record of being the youngest-ever Grandmaster after having achieved the norm at 12. “I don’t have sponsors in the US, but I am a very hopeful person,” he said. “I hope things can work out still. But unlike some other countries, it is very difficult back home.”