Overview
- Magnus Carlsen beat Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final to secure his ninth World Blitz crown a day after clinching the World Rapid title.
- Carlsen’s route included a rules forfeit against Haik Martirosyan after he knocked over pieces and pressed his clock before restoring the position, a decision enforced by arbiters on site.
- In Round 9, Arjun Erigaisi defeated Carlsen on time, after which Carlsen slammed the table in frustration, with the clip circulating widely online.
- Erigaisi topped the qualification rounds, defeated both Carlsen and Abdusattorov there, then fell to Abdusattorov in the semifinals to finish with blitz bronze, adding to his rapid bronze.
- Reactions focused on comportment in fast time controls, with Anand Mahindra praising Erigaisi’s calm etiquette as debate grew over conduct and enforcement at elite blitz events.