World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024, Day 2: Arjun Erigaisi, D Harika, Koneru Humpy shine amidst Carlsen controversy

World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024, Day 2: Arjun Erigaisi, D Harika, Koneru Humpy shine amidst Carlsen controversy

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi emerged as one of the four co-leaders after another impressive day of skill display at the ongoing World rapid and blitz chess championship here.

Russians Volodar Murzin and Alexander Grischuk along with Duda Jan-Kryzstof of Poland share the lead with Arjun on seven points after the end of the second day and round 9 of the championship.

The Indian scope of a medal is bright in the women’s section as well, where Koneru Humpy put aside her first-round loss and won four games on the trot to find herself in the lead on 6.5 points with compatriot D Harika and Wenjun Ju of China.

However, the day belonged to Arjun who defeated Robson Ray of the United States and later beat Shant Sargsyan of Armenia. His two draws against Murzin and Duda earned him the spot to be on top with just four rounds to go.

The day was marred by the disqualification of five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen for his refusal to comply with FIDE’s dress code after turning up in jeans.

Defending champion Carlsen was fined USD 200 for wearing jeans, which are “explicitly prohibited” under tournament regulations and when he refused the request to change his attire by chief arbiter Alex Holowczak, he was disqualified and was not paired for Round 9 of the Rapid championship taking place at Wall Street.

With Carlsen’s withdrawal, Arjun’s chances have increased dramatically. In the 10th round the Indian will take on Grischuk.