In a stunning display of endgame mastery, world number one Magnus Carlsen secured a historic ninth World Blitz Chess Championship title on Tuesday. The Norwegian superstar added the blitz gold to the rapid chess crown he won just two days prior, further cementing his status as the king of speed chess.
Carlsen's Dramatic Path to Victory
The road to the final was anything but smooth for Carlsen. He faced a series of setbacks during the Swiss qualifying rounds, struggling to secure a spot in the knockout semifinals. A crucial draw in the 19th round against Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov saw both players advance. Carlsen finished with 13.5 points, while Abdusattorov had 13 points, securing the last two semifinal berths behind leader Arjun Erigaisi (15 points) and America's Fabiano Caruana (14 points).
Carlsen then decisively defeated Caruana 3-1 to book his place in the championship match. In the final against the young Uzbek prodigy, the match was tied at 1.5 points each after three games. In a bold and decisive fourth game, Carlsen declined a draw offer and produced a stunning, unexpected pawn move to clinch a 2.5–1.5 victory and his record-extending title.
Arjun Erigaisi's Rollercoaster Campaign
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi experienced the highest highs and a crushing low in a dramatic tournament. The 22-year-old was in scintillating form, stunning the likes of Carlsen and Abdusattorov to emerge as the sole leader after 13 rounds with 10 points. On the final day, he displayed steely resolve, winning four games and drawing two in the remaining six rounds to finish as the top seed for the knockouts with 15 points.
However, his campaign took a heartbreaking turn in the semifinals against Abdusattorov. Despite having beaten the Uzbek player just a day earlier, Erigaisi suffered a dramatic collapse. He failed to convert an advantage with the white pieces in the first game, losing in 47 moves. Abdusattorov seized control decisively in the second game with a brilliant Rc5 move on the 75th turn, wrapping up the game in 83 moves. Needing only half a point to advance, Abdusattorov settled for a quick 33-move draw in the third game, inflicting a 2.5-0.5 defeat on the Indian and ending his title hopes.
A Historic Achievement for Indian Chess
Despite the semifinal disappointment, Arjun Erigaisi's bronze medal is a landmark achievement. It marks his second bronze of the event, having also finished third in the World Rapid Championship on Sunday. This double podium finish makes him only the second Indian male player after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win a World Blitz medal in the Open category.
The performance signals the arrival of a new force in global chess and promises a more resolute return from the talented youngster. For Magnus Carlsen, the victory is a sweet redemption after early struggles, proving his unparalleled ability to peak when it matters most in the fast-paced world of blitz chess.
