Magnus Carlsen Struggles as Young Talent Shines at World Rapid and Blitz Championship

The defending champion faces early setbacks in New York, while Indian players and rising stars deliver standout performances.

Magnus Carlsen, defending champion and World No. 1, ended Day 1 with 2.5/5 points after a loss to 18-year-old Denis Lazavik and two narrow escapes with draws.
Indian players Raunak Sadhwani and Arjun Erigaisi impressed, finishing Day 1 with 4/5 points; Sadhwani notably defeated World No. 7 Alireza Firouzja.
The open section's Day 1 leaders include Volodar Murzin, Shant Sargsyan, Leinier Dominguez Perez, and Daniel Naroditsky, all tied with 4.5/5 points.
In the women’s section, 15-year-old Alice Lee took the lead with a perfect 4/4 score, while Indian player Harika Dronavalli followed closely with 3.5/4 points.
The tournament, held on Wall Street for the first time, features 300 players across open and women’s sections, with a $1 million prize fund.