Overview
- After nine rounds in Doha, Vladislav Artemiev and Hans Niemann top the Open standings on 7.5 points from 9.
- Magnus Carlsen trails on 7 points after a loss to Artemiev, joined by Alexey Sarana, Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus and Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the chasing pack.
- India’s D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi stay in contention on 6.5 points, part of a crowded group in joint seventh.
- In the women’s event, defending champion Koneru Humpy drew level with early leader Zhu Jiner on 6.5 points after eight rounds.
- The Open features 13 rounds and the Women’s 11 at a 15+10 time control, with the last four Open rounds set for Sunday and a total prize fund exceeding €1,000,000.