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Erigaisi Beats Carlsen on Time at World Blitz as Viral Outburst and Later Forfeit Raise Conduct Questions

Arjun Erigaisi’s composed finish has focused attention on player behavior and tighter officiating in fast time controls.

Overview

  • Magnus Carlsen lost on time to Arjun Erigaisi in Round 9 with the Indian playing Black, after which Carlsen struck the table in frustration.
  • Arbiter Chris Bird said no equipment was damaged and that Carlsen immediately apologized to both his opponent and the official.
  • In a separate Round 14 incident against Haik Martirosyan, Carlsen knocked over pieces and pressed the clock before restoring them correctly, leading to a forfeit after an arbiter ruling.
  • Erigaisi ended day one tied for the lead after 13 rounds, underscoring his rise following wins over Carlsen and Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
  • Levon Aronian criticized normalizing such outbursts as unsportsmanlike, while Anand Mahindra praised Erigaisi’s composure, as debate over conduct and enforcement grew heading into the event’s semifinal cutoff.