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NBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- NBC News
A move and a bang: Magnus Carlsen drops his first match against India's chess champion
It was the fist slam heard 'round the chess world. Two of the titans of chess — one, the up-and-coming champion versus arguably the greatest player of all time — squared off over the weekend in a game that has drawn attention not just for its result but for the post-game reaction. Magnus Carlsen, the top-ranked chess player in the world, lost for the first time in the classical (think long, complex games) format to Gukesh Dommaraju, the current world champion who at 19 years old is seen as among the game's brightest young stars. The game, which came as part of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, swung after Carlsen lost a knight, leading to a frantic endgame in which each player had only seconds left on their clocks. With Gukesh in a clearly winning position, Carlsen expressed his frustration in a manner relatable to most anyone who has ever played chess: With a fist to the table. Carlsen then offered a handshake of resignation before standing up and offering another relatable exasperation: "Oh my god," along with an apology. While the game probably wouldn't have made the same waves without Carlsen's reaction, the loss does offer a growing sense of Gukesh's rise. But it also offers some sense of just how dominant Carlsen remains at the age of 34. In an interview immediately after the match, Gukesh detailed his shock at winning the game, which at one point looked hopeless for him. "There wasn't much I could do," he said. "It was just clearly lost, so I was just trying to make moves which were tricky for him, and luckly he got into time scramble." "99 out of 100 times I would lose," Gukesh added. Others in the chess community offered a bit more support for Gukesh's performance. Gukesh also reportedly told that he could relate to Carlsen's reaction: 'I've also banged a lot of tables in my career!' Carlsen retains his title as the top-ranked player by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which calculates ratings based on performances across sanctioned tournaments. Carlsen is also a five-time world chess champion, a title awarded for winning the game's most presitigious tournament (The Candidates Tournament) and besting the current world champion (or with the current champion beating the winner of the Candidates). Carlsen declined to defend the title in 2022, with China's Ding Liren taking the top spot only to be defeated by Gukesh in 2024. Then only 18, Gukesh became the youngest world champion in history. That has meant something of a natural rivarly between the two. Carlsen has previously praised the Indian phenom, noting recently in an appearance on the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience that Gukesh "works his a-- off all time time" but also is not as strong as some of the shorter time formats that have gained in popularity and prestige in recent years. Along with the embrace of shorter time formats, chess has boomed online, with a boom in coverage and content creators who analyze games in real time and provide plenty of commentary. And with Carlsen still by far the game's top star, a blunder and loss — and reaction — like the one to Gukesh has sparked its own compilations of reactions.
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
World Champion Gukesh arrives in Stavanger; pegs face-off against Magnus Carlsen
Stavanger [Norway], May 25 (ANI): The youngest world chess champion, India's Gukesh Dommaraju, arrived in Stavanger on Saturday for the most-awaited contest of the year at the Norway Chess 2025, scheduled to begin from May 26 here at the Sparebank 1 Sor-Norge headquarters. For the first time since he was crowned the world chess champion, after beating Ding Liren in a best-of-14-game match in Singapore last year, the 18-year-old will face off against World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the classical format. Speaking about taking on the Norwegian icon Carlsen in his backyard, Gukesh said as per a press release, 'I feel great being here (in Stavanger). I have had good memories from Norway. I am sure playing Magnus here in a classical game will be a fun challenge. Also, for the spectators, it is about the world champion versus the No.1 player in the world. It surely sounds very exciting, so it is surely something I am very happy to give, myself and the chess fans. And I hope it will be a treat.' The last time Gukesh participated in Norway Chess was in 2023, where he finished third, securing the crucial International Chess Federation (FIDE) Circuit points needed to qualify for the 2024 Candidates Tournament. This achievement made him the third-youngest player in history to qualify for a Candidates tournament, following in the footsteps of Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen. By August 2023, Gukesh shattered another record, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve a rating of 2750. A month later, in September 2023, he surpassed Viswanathan Anand as India's top-ranked player, marking the first time in 37 years that someone other than Anand held this distinction. He was on song in 2024, starting the year with a first-place finish at Tata Steel Masters in January, and he dominated the Candidates Tournament, securing his spot in the World Chess Championship match. At the Olympiad, he led Team India to gold while earning an individual gold medal on board one with an outstanding performance. Elaborating on keeping up with the expectations, particularly after his recent success, Gukesh said, 'It is a new level. But when I see it as a challenge to prove to myself that I can handle this. Even though the expectations are high, I can meet them if I keep working hard and doing my best.' Among the challenges in a classical game, Gukesh feels one of the things to be vary about is fighting his own thoughts. 'In a classical game, you end up playing for five hours, and those are the times you cannot be fully thinking about the game. I think there are random thoughts that come into our mind,s but the important thing is to stay in the game and come back to those thoughts later. This is the purpose of the note that you're making. And you can't afford to allow weak moments,' he explained. India's Arjun Erigaisi will also feature in the Norway Chess which will have one of the strongest line-up including Hikaru Nakamura (USA), Fabiano Caruana (USA), Wei Yi (China) and in Norway Chess Women 2025 Ju Wenjun (China), Lei Tingjie (China), Koneru Humpy (India), Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine), Vaishali R (India) and Sarasadat Khademalsharieh (Spain) will fight for top honours. (ANI)
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Giri, Indjic share lead at 8th edition of Sharjah Masters Chess Championship
The 8th Sharjah Masters International Chess Championship, organized by the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has reached its critical final phase with only three rounds remaining to crown the new champion. Dutch Grandmaster Anish Giri and Serbian Grandmaster Aleksandar Indjic currently share the lead with 5 points each. The highly anticipated seventh-round matchup between the two leaders is expected to be a decisive game for the top of the standings. Top-seeded Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov remains firmly in the hunt for the title with an impressive 4.5 points after six rounds, following a key victory that keeps him within striking distance of the leaders. The young star continues to demonstrate his consistency and competitive edge as the tournament intensifies. Trailing just half a point behind, a tightly packed group of fourteen players are tied at 4 points, creating a highly competitive leaderboard. Among them is Emirati Grandmaster Salem Abdulrahman, who delivered a vital performance in round six by defeating Sava Vetokhin, a competitor playing under the flag of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The win positions Abdulrahman well for a strong finish as the event enters its crucial stages. Round six featured a series of significant results on the top boards that reshaped the standings. Serbian Grandmaster Indjic claimed a major victory over Chinese GM Dai Changren on board one, while Dutch superstar Giri prevailed against Iranian GM Parham Maghsoodloo in a tightly contested match on board two. On board three, Abdusattorov continued his push toward the top with a composed and strategic win over Indian International Master P. Iniyan. A standout performance at the tournament continues to come from 12-year-old Argentinian chess prodigy Faustino Oro, widely hailed as the 'Messi of Chess.' The young sensation has captured the attention of the global chess community with his remarkable composure, maturity, and tactical brilliance well beyond his years. Through six intense rounds of competition, Oro has remained unbeaten—an extraordinary feat for a player of his age competing against seasoned international masters and grandmasters. He has notched one victory and held his own in five hard-fought draws, bringing his total to 3.5 points. While his score may appear modest amid the crowded leaderboard, the implications are historic: Oro is now just half a point away from achieving his third and final Grandmaster norm. Should he succeed in earning that final norm over the next few rounds, Faustino Oro would become the youngest player in chess history to receive the coveted Grandmaster title, surpassing legends such as Sergey Karjakin and Magnus Carlsen. His calm presence at the board, sharp intuition, and relentless focus has made him one of the most talked-about figures in the tournament. The sixth round was ceremonially inaugurated at the top board by Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa'a, Chairman of Al Thiqa Club for the Disabled, along with Omran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Abdullah Murad Al Mazmi, Tournament Director; and Faisal Al Hammadi, Head of the Technical and Arbitration Committee. Dr. Al Midfa'a expressed his pride in attending such a distinguished international event, stating, 'Sharjah has consistently demonstrated excellence in hosting world-class championships. The game of chess, the sport of intellect, enjoys exceptional support in the Emirate thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and the presence of the world's largest chess club.' He added, 'This championship plays a vital role in elevating the level of Emirati players, enhancing their international ratings, and contributing to the overall development of our national teams. I extend my best wishes to the Sharjah Chess Club, under the leadership of Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi, for continued success in future editions.' As the tournament enters its final three rounds, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to what has become one of the most competitive and internationally respected events on the global chess calendar.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Top 10 women chess players in India: At No. 1 is the youngest Grandmaster
Top 10 women chess players in India: India has long been a chess powerhouse, producing world-class talent who have made their mark on the global stage. While legends like Viswanathan Anand and rising stars like D Gukesh often steal the spotlight, India's women chess players have been quietly and steadily making their presence felt, both at home and abroad. From prodigies dominating international tournaments to seasoned champions breaking barriers, these women have proven that chess excellence knows no gender. One of the key indicators of a player's prowess is their FIDE rating, which evaluates skill based on consistent performance against ranked the higher a player's rating, the stronger and more consistent their performance is. Here are India's top women chess players, ranked according to FIDE: Source: Forbes Koneru Humpy, born in Gudivada in 1987, showed early promise in chess, guided by her father from age six. By eight, she was winning local tournaments. In 2002, she made history as the youngest female Grandmaster at 15, breaking Judit Polgár's record. Humpy, later, became the second woman to surpass a 2600 Elo rating. Her achievements earned her the prestigious Arjuna Award and Padma Shri. Born in 1991 in Guntur, Harika Dronavalli became a Grandmaster in 2009, showcasing her chess prowess early on. She's a three-time bronze medalist at the Women's World Championship (2012, 2015, 2017) and won the FIDE Women's Grand Prix in 2016. She is the second Indian woman to cross the 2600 Elo mark and has received both the Arjuna Award and Padma Shri for her achievements. Born in 2001, Vaishali Rameshbabu earned the Grandmaster title in 2024. Alongside her brother Praggnanandhaa, they made history as the first sibling duo to both become Grandmasters and qualify for the prestigious Candidates Tournament. Divya Deshmukh, a rising star in Indian chess, earned the International Master title in 2023. One of her major achievements came in 2024 when she clinched the title at the FIDE World Junior Girls Chess Championship. She also played a key role in India's gold medal victory at the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad, further cementing her status as a promising young talent. Tania Sachdev is a renowned Indian chess player who holds the titles of Woman Grandmaster and International Master. She reached her peak FIDE rating of 2443 in September 2013. A key member of the Indian team, she contributed to their gold medal win at the 45th Chess Olympiad, hosted by the International Chess Federation in Budapest. Vantika Agrawal, born in September 2002, holds the FIDE titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and International Master (IM). She has three gold medals at the Chess Olympiad, and two golds at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024. Agrawal also secured a silver medal with the Indian Team at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. Her accolades extend to medals in Commonwealth, World Youth, Asian Youth, and National Championships. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was recently awarded the prestigious Arjuna Award. P V Nandhidhaa from Tamil Nadu, born on April 10, 1996, holds the FIDE titles of Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and Woman International Master (WIM), making her the 17th Woman Grandmaster of India. She has achieved significant success in her career, including winning an individual Gold in the Asian Chess Championship in 2022 and becoming the reigning National Women Chess Champion in 2024. She has also secured medals in Commonwealth and Asian-level tournaments across various age categories. Her peak FIDE Elo rating is 2380, and she continues to compete at a high level. Padmini Rout, born on January 5, 1994, holds the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). Rout has won the National Women's Premier Championship five times and was the Asian Women's Champion in 2018. She also earned an individual gold medal at the 2014 Women's Chess Olympiad. Born in 1992, Bhakti Kulkarni holds the prestigious FIDE titles of Woman Grandmaster (2012) and International Master (2019). A recipient of the Arjuna Award for her significant contributions to chess, Kulkarni has achieved notable successes, including winning the Asian Women's Chess Championship and representing India in various international tournaments. Rakshitta Ravi, born on April 24, 2005, holds the FIDE title of Woman Grandmaster (WGM), which she achieved in April 2023. Her parents, T S Ravi and Sai Meera Ravi, are both titled chess players. Rakshitta earned her Woman International Master (WIM) title at 13 and her WGM title at 17, making her India's 24th Woman Grandmaster.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Three chess players tied for first place in Sharjah Masters
Aleksandar Indjic of Serbia, Anish Giri of the Netherlands, and Dai Changren of China are at the top of the leaderboard. A member of the UAE national team and the Sharjah Chess Club, Salem Abdulrahman, drew with Sava Vitušin while playing under the International Chess Federation (FIDE) flag. Meanwhile, a tie of 3.5 points exists between 13 players, while 14 players are currently on 3 points. The top boards were dominated by draws; on board one, Anish Giri drew with Aleksandar Indjic. On board two, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the tournament's top seed, and Adam Kozak of Hungary drew again. Elham Amar of Norway and Parham Maghsoodloo of Iran drew. Amin Tabatabaei of Iran lost to Dai Changren of China on board four, the first victory. All boards recorded a total of 20 draws in this round. Issa Hilal Al-Hazami, the chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Hussain Abdullah Al Khouri, the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club; Omran Abdullah Al Nuaimi, the chairman of the championship's organising committee; and Sheikh Dr. Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi, the chairman of the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club, attended the opening board matches of the fifth round. With 350 players from 60 nations, Issa Hilal Al-Hazami confirmed that the competition has a global aspect. According to him, the eighth edition's record-breaking attendance is a result of the exceptional work of the championship's working teams, members, and the club's board, which is headed by Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Humaid Al Qasimi. He continued by saying that everyone has a big obligation to keep up this high level of organisation, which is comparable to international chess events. He also emphasised the championship's many organisational, administrative, and technological advantages, as well as the priceless experience it provides national staff. Additionally, the competition takes place during the Year of Community in 2025. The Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club's participation in so many different countries is in line with the subject of the year. Since the championship is televised in several languages to a worldwide audience, the event also acts as a major marketing platform for the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah, highlighting its cultural and tourism appeal.
