Magnus Carlsen’s Triumph in Kolkata

Magnus Carlsen, the World No. 1 chess player, recently made headlines in Kolkata as he presented the trophy to Bristy Mukherjee, the winner of the All India Women Rapid event. Carlsen’s presence at the tournament generated immense excitement, especially as he secured a double victory by winning both the blitz and rapid titles.

The closing ceremony was a memorable moment for Carlsen as Mukherjee touched his feet to seek his blessings upon receiving her trophy. The gesture took Carlsen by surprise, causing him to blush and smile at the unexpected show of respect.

Fans in Kolkata flocked to the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium to catch a glimpse of Carlsen, who was often surrounded by crowds. The chess legend was mobbed by enthusiasts whenever he exited the arena, showcasing his immense popularity in the city.

Carlsen’s double victory in Kolkata marked his second time achieving this feat, with his last win in 2019. Filipino-American Grandmaster Wesley So secured second place, followed by Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi in the top five positions.

Reflecting on his performance, Carlsen admitted, “It was a really nervy day. I was lucky that Wesley was the one who went on a big streak because he couldn’t realistically catch me. Overall, the tournament win is good. The score is not great but very decent, so I’m happy.”

Looking ahead, Carlsen revealed his plans to head to Singapore to promote Freestyle Chess with Fabiano Caruana. He will be playing a match with Caruana in a few days and is excited to be a tourist at the World Championship for a couple of days. With his recent success in Kolkata, Carlsen continues to captivate fans worldwide with his exceptional skills and charm.