Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi secured a bronze medal at the FIDE World Blitz Championship 2025 in Doha on Tuesday, December 30. He finished at the top spot of the standings in the Open Swiss round but was eliminated in the semifinals.
He had also won a bronze medal in the Rapid Championship as well, making him the first Grandmaster since Vishwanathan Anand (2017) to win two medals at the World Championship. After winning the bronze in Doha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Arjun on X, writing that his skills, passion and patience are exemplary and his success will continue to inspire the youth.
"India’s strides in chess continue! Congratulations to Arjun Erigaisi for winning the Bronze at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship in Doha, following his bronze medal in FIDE Rapid Chess Championship recently. His skills, patience and passion are exemplary. His successes will continue to inspire our youth. My best wishes to him," PM Modi wrote on X.
World No.1 Magnus Carlsen won a record-extending ninth world Blitz title, but Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi suffered a shocking defeat in the semifinal to settle for a bronze in the World Blitz Championship on Tuesday.
The Norwegian didn't accept a draw in the title match against Uzbek GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and came up with a brilliant move in the fourth game to win 2.5-1.5. Both players were levelled at 1.5 points each after the first three games.
He defeated Caruana 3-1 to book a spot in the final, while Abdusattorov defeated Erigaisi 2.5-0.5 in the semifinal. Earlier, Erigaisi stunned the likes of Carlsen and Abdusattorov to emerge as a sole leader with 10 points from 13 games.
He then went through the remaining six rounds, winning four and drawing two to remain the sole leader with 15 points, and qualified for the semifinals. Erigasi faced Abdusattorov in the semifinal and was expected to qualify for the final, but the Indian Grandmaster failed to convert his advantage in the opening game and lost in 47 moves
Abdusattorov changed things decisively in his way in the second game by playing Rc5' on the 75th move and finished the game in 83 moves. He needed just half a point to qualify for the final, but settled for a draw after just 33 moves despite being in the winning position.
