Leaders Emerged in 2024 FIDE Rapid Chess Championship: GMs Volodar Murzin, Shant Sargsyan, Leinier Dominguez, and Daniel Naroditsky at the Top
GMs Volodar Murzin, Shant Sargsyan, Leinier Dominguez, and Daniel Naroditsky are leading the 2024 FIDE Rapid Chess Championship after five rounds of intense competition. In a surprising turn of events, GM Denis Lazavik, with a score of 3.5/5, defeated tournament favorite GM Magnus Carlsen, who is currently on 2.5/5, in the Game of the Day.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s Rapid Chess Championship, IM Alice Lee has taken the sole lead with a perfect score of 4/4 wins. However, she is closely followed by five players just half a point behind. In a thrilling match, Lee defeated 2023 Women’s World Blitz Champion Valentina Gunina in her last win of the day.
As the competition heats up, day two of the rapid championships will continue on Friday, December 27, with rounds six to nine in the Open and rounds five to eight in the Women’s section. The action is set to start at 2:00 p.m. ET/ 16:00 CET / 12:30 a.m. IST (on December 28).
The 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Championships are crucial in determining the world champions of rapid and blitz chess in both the open and women’s categories. With a total prize fund of $1.5 million, the championships feature intense competition with top players from around the world vying for the prestigious titles.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting matches as the championships progress.