The 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship, held from 26-29 December 2024 in New York City, USA, witnessed remarkable victories by India’s Koneru Humpy in the Women’s section and Russia’s Volodar Murzin in the Open section. This prestigious event brought together the world’s top players in rapid chess format, showcasing intense battles and memorable performances.
Koneru Humpy wins second World Rapid title
India’s Grandmaster Koneru Humpy performed brilliantly at the age of 37 to win her second World Rapid Chess Championship title. Even after losing the first game, Humpy made a brilliant comeback and won the title by scoring 8.5 points in 11 rounds.
Key Highlights of Her Victory:
- In the final round, seven players, including Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi, were tied at 7.5 points after 10 rounds.
- Humpy emerged victorious by defeating Indonesian International Master Irene Kharisma Sukandar in a crucial final round match.
- Humpy’s previous World Rapid title was won in 2019 in Moscow, Russia.
Harika Dronavalli, another Indian Grandmaster, finished fifth with an impressive 8 points.
Maiden World Rapid Title for Volodar Murzin
In the Open section, Volodar Murzin of Russia made history by becoming the second-youngest player to win the World Rapid Championship. The 18-year-old finished with 10 points in 11 rounds, defeating Armenian Grandmaster Karen Grigoryan in the final round.
Additional Highlights:
- Murzin follows Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan, who won the title in 2021 at the age of 17.
- Second place was jointly shared by Alexander Grischuk and Ian Nepomniachtchi, each scoring 9.5 points.
- Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi secured fifth position with 9 points.
A Remarkable Year for Indian Chess
The year 2024 has been a golden one for Indian chess, with:
- India winning gold medals in both the Open and Women’s sections of the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
- D. Gukesh becoming the World Classical Chess Champion.
Humpy’s victory is another big achievement of hers, which will further increase India’s strength in chess.
About the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships
The FIDE World Championship is a prestigious chess competition held in three different formats:
Classical Chess: This is the longest chess format, giving players more time to think and make moves.
Rapid Chess: In this format, the playing time is limited, making quick decisions and strategies important.
Blitz Chess: This is the fastest format, where each player has to complete all their moves in just a few minutes.
The Rapid and Blitz formats are conducted simultaneously, with shorter time controls to test players’ quick-thinking and strategy.
Key Facts:
- The first FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship was held in 2013 in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia for the Open section.
- The women’s section debuted in 2012 in Batumi, Georgia.
- Since 2017, both sections have been held simultaneously at a single venue.
Indian Achievements in FIDE Events
- Viswanathan Anand won the World Rapid Title in the Open section in 2017.
- Koneru Humpy is the only Indian woman to win the World Rapid Championship, with titles in 2019 and 2024.
- No Indian has yet won the World Blitz Championship.
About FIDE
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the governing body of chess worldwide.
- Established: 1924
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
- President: Arkady Dvorkovich (Russia)
Members: 201 national chess federations
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FAQs on Koneru Humpy 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship
Koneru Humpy of India. This is her second title after winning her first in 2019 in Moscow, Russia.
Volodar Murzin, an 18-year-old Russian. He is the second-youngest winner in history, after Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who won the title at 17.
It was held in New York City, USA, from 26-29 December 2024.
The championship is held every year.
Koneru Humpy scored 8.5 points in 11 rounds to secure the title.
In the Women’s section, Harika Dronavalli finished fifth with 8 points. In the Open section, Arjun Erigaisi secured fifth place with 9 points.