Harikrishna Switches Gears: From World Cup Hero to Global Chess League Captain

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Mumbai: P Harikrishna, India's sixth Grandmaster and world No.35, has traded his playing shoes for a non-playing captain's role in the third season of the Global Chess League (GCL). At the league's Mumbai leg, starting December 14, Harikrishna will lead the Mumba Masters team. The 39-year-old's decision to switch roles comes after his impressive performance at the World Cup, where he reached the Round of 16. Harikrishna, who has worked as a second for several top players, including China's Ju Wenjun and India's Gukesh Dommaraju, says being a mentor is about understanding the player's needs, not just your own. "It's a different mindset when you're preparing for another player," Harikrishna explained. "You need to think about what they want to achieve, not just what's best for you.