Koneru Humpy Clinches Second World Rapid Chess Championship Title in New York

Koneru Humpy, India’s top-rated female chess player, has once again made history by clinching her second World Rapid Championship title in New York. The talented player finished the tournament with an impressive score of 8.5/11, securing the top spot in a thrilling final round.

In a nail-biting finish, Koneru emerged as the only player to score a victory in the final round, outmanoeuvring Indonesia’s International Master Irine Kharisma Sukandar in a challenging endgame. With this victory, Koneru becomes only the second player to win the tournament more than once, solidifying her position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.

Reflecting on her win, Koneru expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “It’s not easy to become a world champion when you are 37. It’s quite difficult when you get older to keep that motivation and stay sharp when required. I’m glad that I made it.” She also shared her surprise at winning the title for the second time, especially after facing an early setback in the tournament.

Koneru’s victory adds to the remarkable success of Indian chess in 2024, following the country’s gold medal wins in the Chess Olympiad and Gukesh D’s title of World Champion in classical chess. With her latest triumph, Koneru has further solidified India’s position as a powerhouse in the world of chess.

The tournament saw an unprecedented seven-way tie at the top of the leaderboard before Koneru’s decisive victory in the final round. Her stellar performance throughout the event showcased her skill and determination, ultimately leading her to the top of the podium.

As Koneru celebrates her well-deserved victory, chess enthusiasts around the world are applauding her remarkable achievement and looking forward to seeing more of her exceptional talent on display in future competitions.