The much-anticipated 2024 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships kicked off with a major stunner as chess icon Magnus Carlsen faltered on the very first day. The World No. 1 and defending Rapid champion managed a meager 2.5/5 points after suffering a shock defeat to little-known 18-year-old GM Denis Lazavik.
Over 300 of the world’s elite are battling it out at the prestigious event, being hosted on Wall Street for the first time ever. Only recently-crowned classical World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh is missing, but there’s no shortage of Indian talent lighting up the boards in both Open and Women’s sections.
Teens Stealing the Show
While Carlsen’s woes grabbed the headlines, it was the teenage stars who shone the brightest on Day 1. Russia’s 18-year-old Volodar Murzin stunned American No. 1 Fabiano Caruana en route to joint lead on 4.5/5, alongside a trio of 2700+ GMs.
Not to be outdone, the Indian contingent saw its own young guns rise to the occasion. Arjun Erigaisi, fresh off crossing the fabled 2800 Elo mark, scored an impressive 4/5. Arjun’s only hiccup was a Round 3 loss, but the 19-year-old phenom hit back with wins in the remaining games to stay in the hunt.
16-year-old Raunak Sadhwani matched his compatriot, also notching 4 points. Raunak’s victims included the dangerous Alireza Firouzja, as the youngster vaulted to 5th place. R Praggnanandhaa, by contrast, had a surprisingly slow start and sits further back on 3/5.
Harika Leads the Indian Challenge
In the Women’s group, 15-year-old Alice Lee grabbed the sole lead with a flawless 4/4 score. For India, it was Harika Dronavalli leading the way in 4th place on 3.5 points.
Harika’s sister Vaishali was the next best Indian performer with 3/4, good for 15th spot. Former Women’s World Rapid Champion Koneru Humpy sits a further half point back, tied with several elite names.
Magnus Misery
But the story of the day was undoubtedly Carlsen’s uncharacteristic 83rd place finish. The Norwegian superstar described it as “a very, very poor performance”, and will need to bounce back quickly over the next 2 days to keep alive his hopes of a 5th Rapid crown.
A very, very poor performance
– Magnus Carlsen on his shocking 2.5/5 start
8 more rounds remain in the Open, and 7 in the Women’s, before the action shifts to Blitz. The Indian stars will be hoping to carry forward their momentum and bring home the gold. Can Carlsen recover from his disastrous opening? Or will one of the hungry young guns unseat the long-time king? The upcoming days promise captivating chess drama like no other.
