Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa R has entered the 2025 XTX Markets London Chess Classic, adding major intrigue to Britain’s most prominent chess event. The world number seven confirmed his participation days before the tournament began, joining the Open section in a bid to secure vital FIDE Circuit points needed to qualify for next year’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. The Candidates serves as the final qualification stage for the World Championship match, and only one spot remains via the FIDE Circuit. Praggnanandhaa, who narrowly missed qualifying through the World Cup in Goa, must now maximise his points from the limited number of eligible events left in the calendar. The 20-year-old was unable to join the Classic’s eight-player elite event due to a late entry, with the £50,000 round-robin starting next week at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Instead, he will be the clear favourite in the Open category, facing a field comprising lower-rated grandmasters, international masters and amateur players. His campaign is expected to draw considerable attention as he attempts to keep pace with other Candidates contenders. This will …