The Global Chess League is returning for its third season, and chess fans are buzzing about the Alpine SG Pipers’ strong new lineup. This year brings extra thrill: the league heads to India for the first time, running from December 13 to 24 in the country’s vibrant chess scene, where passionate fans are growing fast.
At the heart of the team are two retained stars who shone last season. R Praggnanandhaa, the Player of the Season, teams up again with Hou Yifan, the current World No. 1 in women’s chess. Their skills and big wins make them the perfect backbone for the Pipers.
The team just revealed four exciting additions, mixing world-class experience with fresh young talent. Fabiano Caruana, the American grandmaster and former World Championship challenger, steps in as the Icon Player. Anish Giri, a reliable super-grandmaster, joins as Superstar Men. From Georgia, Nino Batsiashvili arrives as Superstar Women, bringing her Olympiad gold medal. And India’s own rising star, Leon Luke Mendonca, known for his bold and clever plays, signs on as Prodigy.
Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, the coach for Alpine SG Pipers, shared his excitement about the roster. “We’re thrilled with this group for the upcoming season,” he said. “Fabiano Caruana is one of the world’s top players and adds real depth as our Icon. Praggnanandhaa keeps impressing against the best, Anish Giri brings steady experience, and Hou Yifan leads women’s chess with her incredible record. Nino Batsiashvili has that international success, and Leon Luke Mendonca shows the promise of India’s next chess generation. It’s a balanced squad, and I know we can deliver a great season.”
Looking ahead, Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports – Media – Entertainment, highlighted the bigger picture. “Bringing the Global Chess League to India marks a huge milestone for the sport and its fans here,” he said. “We focus on building teams that compete at the top while inspiring new audiences. With this lineup for Alpine SG Pipers, we’re set to create unforgettable moments in this historic season.”
Here’s the full Alpine SG Pipers squad:
– Fabiano Caruana: Icon Player
– R Praggnanandhaa: Superstar Men (Retained)
– Anish Giri: Superstar Men
– Hou Yifan: Superstar Women (Retained)
– Nino Batsiashvili: Superstar Women
– Leon Luke Mendonca: Prodigy
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