- Murzin’s Triumph: The 18-year-old Russian GM claimed his first Rapid World Championship with an undefeated performance.
- Humpy’s Comeback: Indian GM Koneru Humpy won her second Women’s Rapid title, cementing her legacy in chess history.
- Indian Chess on the Rise: Humpy’s victory highlights India’s growing dominance in global chess, with recent Olympiad and World Championship wins.
Koneru Humpy’s remarkable comeback at the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship adds another chapter to her storied career. After a challenging start, she rallied to secure 8.5/11 points, becoming only the second woman to win multiple Rapid titles.
This victory follows a year of significant achievements for Indian chess, including D Gukesh’s World Championship title and India’s Olympiad triumph.
Chess Glory: Humpy and Murzin Crowned 2024 Rapid Champions
On the men’s side, 18-year-old Volodar Murzin showcased extraordinary talent, securing the Open title with an undefeated 10/13 score. As the second-youngest champion in the event’s history, Murzin demonstrated resilience and strategic mastery, defeating top competitors like Fabiano Caruana. His win marks a promising future for the next generation of chess.
In the Open section, Volodar Murzin delivered an inspiring performance, proving that age is no barrier to excellence. As the 59th seed, his unbeaten run surprised many, demonstrating that rankings are just numbers when faced with sheer talent and determination.
The broader success of Indian players in 2024 highlights a strong support system for chess in the country. Sponsorships, federation backing, and cultural reverence for the game have enabled players like Humpy and Gukesh to flourish on the global stage. This support model has been praised by international players like Hikaru Nakamura, underscoring its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, chess fans witnessed an engaging championship atmosphere, from NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s visit to Washington Square Park to gatherings at the historic Marshall Chess Club. The event showcased not just competition but also the universal appeal of chess as a cultural phenomenon.
The 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship highlighted the diversity and depth of talent in global chess. With Humpy and Murzin’s victories, the future of the game looks brighter than ever.
“When countries like India do support chess the way they do, it speaks volumes about their success,” remarked Hikaru Nakamura.
