Friday, 27 December 2024

2024 World Rapid and Blitz

 The 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Championship has begun in New York. Once again it has attracted most of the worlds best players, noting that more American players are taking part this year (due to the venue) but less FIDE players (also due to the venue). 

It looks like the first day provided plenty of content for the online commentators, with a number of significant upsets. The most newsworthy result is Magnus Carlsen sitting on 50% after the first 5 rounds, but at this stage, everyone has dropped at least half a point. However, with only 8 rounds left to play (4 on each of the next 2 days) it may be difficult for Carlsen to catch up, as he has 70 players in front of him,

Two Australian players are taking part this year, IM Rishi Sardana and FM Kai Jie Soo. Sardana is on a 2/5 (beating GM Sergey Erenburg in round 5), and Soo is on 1/5.

The games start around 6am Canberra time, so you can catch the action if you are awake early enough. The games are scheduled 80 mins apart, so even if you miss the first one, you should be able to catch the rest. https://worldrapidandblitz2024.fide.com/

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