Overview
- After nine rounds in Doha, Vladislav Artemiev and Hans Niemann top the Open standings on 7.5/9, with Magnus Carlsen, Alexey Sarana, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Nodirbek Abdusattorov a half‑point back.
- Artemiev handed Carlsen a rare defeat in round seven, and video from the arena shows Carlsen pushing away a camera as he exited the hall.
- FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky told Reuters there will be no immediate disciplinary action over the incident unless an official complaint is made.
- Carlsen has said he has had little contact with FIDE over the past year and has coordinated his participation primarily with the Qatari organiser.
- In the Women’s Rapid, defending champion Koneru Humpy caught Zhu Jiner to share the lead on 6.5/8, and the rapid stage concludes today before the Blitz begins December 29–30.