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Carlsen Wins Sixth World Rapid Title as Goryachkina Takes Women’s Crown in Doha

A reliance on Buchholz tie-breaks prompted debate over how medals are decided.

Overview

  • Magnus Carlsen finished on 10.5/13 to secure the open rapid championship, rebounding from a loss to Vladislav Artemyev on the final day.
  • Vladislav Artemyev placed second with 9.5 points, Arjun Erigaisi took third on the same score via tie-breaks, and Hans Niemann said he missed a medal by 0.5 Buchholz and called for playoffs for all podium places.
  • Alexandra Goryachkina won the women’s title by defeating Zhu Jiner 1.5–0.5 in a 3+2 playoff after both scored 8.5 points in regulation, with Humpy Koneru ranked third on tie-breaks.
  • Russian and FIDE officials praised Russian performances, while a Russian federation vice president criticized Carlsen’s conduct after his loss to Artemyev, citing yawning, not resetting pieces, and pushing a TV operator.
  • The World Rapid event concluded in Doha on December 28, and the blitz world championship runs there December 29–30.