Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi Emerges as Co-Leader at World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship

Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi shines at World rapid and blitz chess championship in New York

Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has emerged as one of the four co-leaders at the ongoing World rapid and blitz chess championship in New York. Along with Russians Volodar Murzin and Alexander Grischuk, as well as Duda Jan-Kryzstof of Poland, Arjun shares the lead with seven points after the end of the second day and round 9 of the championship.

The day was not without controversy, as five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen was fined and disqualified for refusing to comply with FIDE’s dress code by wearing jeans, which are explicitly prohibited under tournament regulations. This turn of events has increased Arjun’s chances in the championship, as Carlsen’s withdrawal opens up new opportunities for other players.

In the women’s section, Indian player Koneru Humpy has put aside her first-round loss and won four games in a row to lead with 6.5 points, alongside compatriot D Harika and Wenjun Ju of China. Arjun’s impressive victories against Robson Ray of the United States and Shant Sargsyan of Armenia, along with his draws against Murzin and Duda, have earned him the top spot with just four rounds to go.

With the competition heating up, all eyes are on the upcoming matches, especially the clash between Humpy and Ju. Harika also has her work cut out for her as she aims to surge ahead in the standings. The championship promises to be an exciting battle of skill and strategy as the players vie for the title of the best player on the planet.

In the standings after round 8, Wenjun Ju (China), D Harika, and K Humpy (both India) lead with 6.5 points each in the women’s section, while in the open section, Arjun Erigaisi (India), Duda Jan-Kryzstof (Poland), Volodar Murzin, and Alexander Grischuk (both representing FIDE) are the co-leaders after round 9.