World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and three-time women’s world blitz champion Kateryna Lagno claimed the blitz titles at the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz 2024 at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditoriumon Sunday.
For Carlsen, this victory marked a remarkable double, as he also secured the rapid title on Friday.
“Chess in India is growing rapidly, and the support we’ve received here reflects that,” the Norwegian said after receiving the blitz trophy from five-time world champion and tournament ambassador Viswanathan Anand.
Later, the chess superstar was mobbed as he tried to make his way through a platoon of fans and had to wait inside the auditorium for his followers to disperse. The crowd did not leave and the 33-year-old had to exit by the rear door.
Carlsen started the second half of the blitz event with a narrow half-point lead. Despite holding steady with five consecutive draws, the Norwegian star maintained his position at the top.
An opportunity emerged for Arjun Erigaisi after the 15th round, but the 21-year-old lost three consecutive games. That sealed the title for Carlsen with a round to spare.
“More than the blitz performance, what surprised me more was Carlsen’s show in the rapid event. Blitz has always been his forte, but to win the rapid with a round to spare was simply outstanding,” Anand said during a news conference.
Wesley So claimed the runner-up position, while Erigaisi was third.
In the women’s section, Kateryna Lagno dominated with an impressive 11.5 points to emerge as the champion. Valentina Gunina and Aleksandra Goryachkina took the first and second runner-up spots, respectively, following thrilling contests across the rounds.