Perfect Start for Kazchess and Dragon Chilling at the 2026 World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships

Kazchess and Dragon Chilling Dominate Day One of 2026 World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships

Hong Kong – In a thrilling start to the 2026 World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships, GM Richard Rapport’s Kazchess and GM Ding Liren’s Dragon Chilling emerged as the only teams to achieve a perfect score of 8/8 after the first day of competition. The event, taking place at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium, has already seen its share of surprises, with several top-seeded teams facing unexpected defeats.

Kazchess, led by Rapport, showcased their prowess by defeating formidable opponents, including Uzbekistan’s star players, GMs Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Rapport’s comeback victory against Sindarov, who had him in a seemingly lost position by move 16, was particularly impressive, highlighting the unpredictable nature of rapid chess.

Meanwhile, Dragon Chilling, featuring former World Champion Ding Liren and current Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, also maintained their flawless record. Despite Ding’s loss to GM Nikolas Theodorou, the team rallied to secure a crucial 4-2 victory in their next match, demonstrating their resilience.

The day was not without its challenges for other favorites. The top-seeded WR Chess team, which includes chess giants like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, stumbled early, losing a match in round two. Despite a strong start with a 5-1 victory, they faced a tough challenge from Chessnut Nova, where Carlsen’s efforts fell short against GM Raunak Sadhwani.

Second-seed Hexamind, featuring Alireza Firouzja and Anish Giri, also struggled, suffering two defeats that left them trailing in the standings. Giri’s performance was particularly disappointing, as he missed crucial opportunities that could have turned the tide for his team.

In contrast, Mr Birdie and Friends, a team with a heartfelt backstory, found themselves in third place after winning three matches and drawing one. Their name pays tribute to a beloved pet bird, adding a personal touch to their competitive spirit.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes are high. Day two promises to be even more intense, with Kazchess and Dragon Chilling set to clash, ensuring that at least one perfect record will come to an end. The excitement continues as fans eagerly await the next round of matches, which will kick off on Thursday, June 18, at 2 a.m. ET.

A New Era of Chess in Hong Kong

The 2026 World Rapid & Blitz Team Championships marks the fourth edition of this prestigious event, which has evolved significantly since its inception in 2023. This year, the tournament features nearly 50 teams, each comprising six players, with a requirement for at least one female player and one “recreational player” who has never crossed a 2000 rating.

The event has attracted a diverse field, with 393 players from various countries, including a strong representation from China and Hong Kong. The atmosphere is electric, as fans and players alike revel in the excitement of top-level chess returning to Hong Kong.

As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the remaining rounds, where every match could prove pivotal in the quest for the championship title. Stay tuned for more updates as the world’s best chess players battle it out for glory in this thrilling tournament.