World Blitz 2021 Day 1: Arjun Erigaisi draws with Magnus Carlsen, Vaishali and Humpy eye the title

Arjun Erigaisi is now World no.10 in Blitz

Arjun Erigaisi finally got an opportunity to play against Magnus Carlsen in over-the-board. He did not squander his opportunity. In fact, he was very impressive in his draw against the world champion. Magnus' World Blitz title is in serious jeopardy as he is 1.5 points behind the sole leader Aronian and has only nine rounds to catch up.

Arjun Erigaisi 8.5/12

India no.1 in Blitz, GM Arjun Erigaisi was clearly the best Indian performer of the day as he scored 8.5/12, suffering only one loss against GM Samvel Ter-Sahakyan (ARM), most importantly drew with the reigning World Classical and Blitz champion, Magnus Carlsen (NOR) in the final round of the day. Arjun was never in any real danger, and he managed to hold his own against the world champion, in their first ever over-the-board encounter.

Nihal Sarin 7.5/12

Nihal Sarin might have scored a good 7.5/12, however he is yet to show a spark he is known for, or face a stiff challenge in the Blitz event so far. Day 2 might change that. His best win so far was against Sanan Sjugirov in Round 11.

Vidit Gujrathi 7.5/12

Vidit's highlight of the day would definitely be to beat France no.2 Maxime Vachier-Lagrave

Vidit - Vachier-Lagrave, Round 4

24...Nc7 is the minute yet decisive mistake made by Black. Can you find out why? 24...Ne7 would have kept Black in the game slightly longer.

Pentala Harikrishna 7.0/12

Harikrishna made a steady start 7.0/12 including a draw with Hikaru Nakamura in Round 6.

Harsha Bharathakoti 6.5/12

Last edition's top Indian performer at World Blitz 2019, GM Harsha Bharathakoti had an impressive day at the office. Among the top players, he defeated Richard Rapport (HUN) and Kirill Shevchenko (UKR), drew with the newly crowned World Rapid 2021 champion, Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB).

The win against Kirill Shevchenko in Round 10 is a must-see for French Defense players. One must take every opportunity they get.

Shevchenko - Harsha, Round 10

Black showed that there is nothing to worry about 17.Nd6+ as Bxd6 18.exd6 Qa5 19.Qb3 Nxb1 gains an exchange and White does not have enough compensation for it. 19.Bd2 Nxd1 20.Bxa5 was still a better choice for White.

Gukesh 6.5/12

After a fantastic ninth place finish in Rapid, Gukesh made a slow start in Blitz, scoring only 2.0/7. Although among those two wins, one of them was against Spain no.3 David Anton Guijjaro. In the last five rounds of the day, he scored 4.5 points including wins over Aryan Tari (NOR) and Mikhail Demidov (RUS), also a draw with Baadur Jobava (GEO).

Abhimanyu Puranik 6.5/12

Abhimanyu made a brilliant start 4.5/5. He is the only person to beat the tournament sole leader, Levon Aronian (USA) in Round 5. He also defeated Anish Giri (NED), drew with Hikaru Nakamura (USA) and Baadur Jobava (GEO).

Abhimanyu - Aronian, Round 5

If 19...f6 created a chink in Black's armor, then 21..f5 just removed it completely. White started grabbing a bunch of pawns starting with 22.Bxc6 Qxc6 23.cxb6 axb6 24.Rxe5 and eventually he ended up having two extra pawns which was enough to beat Aronian.

Vaishali R 7.5/9

IM Vaishali R had a fantastic day as she scored 7.5/9 and now just a half point behind the leader Bibisara 8.0/9. Her wins include against former Women's World Champion, GM Mariya Muzychuk, GM Valentina Gunina & IM Polina Shuvalova. She checkmated Gunina in just 20 moves.

Koneru Humpy 7.0/9

Humpy scored 7.0/9, suffering only one loss and drew two games. Her best win of the day has to be against Aleksandra Goryachkina (RUS) in Round 9.

Video Gallery

Replay Blitz Open Round 1-12 games

Replay Blitz Women Round 1-9 games

Round 12 results Blitz Open

Details

Round 13 pairings Blitz Open

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Round 9 results Blitz Women

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Round 10 pairings Blitz Women

Details

Replay the Live Stream

Links

Official site

Tournament Regulations: Open and Women

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