India, April 17 -- Vaishali Rameshbabu stood on the podium, a gold medal around her neck - wired from little sleep and much joy - while in the audience sat a man who had taken three flights, travelling from south India to the eastern edge of Europe, just to witness this moment.

RB Ramesh - now synonymous with his most distinguished pupils, R Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali - made a last-minute dash from Chennai to Cyprus to keep his word. "Before the Candidates, I told both of them that I'd be in Cyprus if either of them wins. So, my travel plans were in their hands," he told HT, breaking into a laugh. "Vaishali then instantly went 'Sir, I'm sure you'll be there'."

As the Candidates tournament unfolded, it was clear that Praggnanandhaa was ...