The 2025 FIDE World Rapid & Women’s World Rapid Championships got underway in Doha with high-quality chess and early drama, as the world’s elite settled into the fast-paced rhythm of rapid time controls.
After an intense opening day at the Sports and Events Complex of Qatar University, the Open section has produced a five-way tie at the top, while China’s Zhu Jiner emerged as the clear standout in the Women’s section with a flawless start.
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After five rounds of play, five players share the lead on 4.5 points: Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, India’s Arjun Erigaisi and Gukesh D, France’s Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, and Russia’s Vladislav Artemiev. The group reflects a compelling mix of established legends and the new generation that is steadily reshaping elite chess.
Carlsen, the world’s most dominant rapid player of the last decade, began as he often does decisively. He won his first four games in convincing fashion, underlining his intent after stating at the opening press conference that he had come to Doha to win. His Round 5 clash against Arjun Erigaisi, however, halted the Norwegian’s perfect run. The encounter transitioned into a Queen’s Gambit Declined and later into an equal rook ending. Despite Carlsen’s trademark pressure and an apparent extra pair of pawns, Erigaisi defended with precision, holding the draw and earning a share of the lead.
For Arjun, the result capped a strong and composed day, confirming his growing stature in rapid chess. Fellow Indian Gukesh D also enjoyed a highly productive opening day. After starting with a draw, the reigning classical world champion reeled off four consecutive wins, showcasing both resilience and tactical sharpness. It was a notable turnaround following an inconsistent showing at the Global Chess League earlier in the month.
Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Vladislav Artemiev were equally consistent, navigating the day without defeat and keeping pace with the leaders through a blend of opening preparation and practical decision-making.
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Not everyone found early momentum. Defending World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin endured a difficult start, finishing the day on just 2 points. Losses in the middle rounds left him with a steep climb ahead if he is to defend his title. India’s Praggnanandhaa also had a subdued day, ending on three points after an unexpected loss as Black to lower-rated Levan Pantsulaia.
Women’s Section: Zhu Jiner Sets the Pace
In the Women’s World Rapid Championship, China’s Zhu Jiner was the standout performer of Day 1. Winning all four of her games, she is the sole leader on a perfect 4/4 an impressive achievement in a field packed with experience and pedigree. Zhu consistently seized the initiative, defeating seasoned players including Elina Danielian and Nana Dzagnidze, and looked supremely comfortable in rapid conditions.
A large chasing pack sits just half a point behind on 3.5, led by Georgia’s Nino Batsiashvili, who continued her strong recent form. Also in contention are former world champions Mariya Muzychuk and Antoaneta Stefanova, former title challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina, India’s Harika Dronavalli, Song Yuxin, and Sara Khadem, ensuring a tightly contested race heading into Day 2.
There were moments of heartbreak as well. Former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi suffered a costly blunder in an otherwise winning position against Vaishali Rameshbabu, overlooking a back-rank mate in time trouble. Despite winning her other games, the slip denied her a share of the lead—a reminder of how unforgiving rapid chess can be.
Defending champion Humpy Koneru and reigning classical world champion Ju Wenjun both finished the day on 3 points, staying well within striking distance as the championship heads into its crucial middle phase.
With the field finely balanced and the pressure rising, Day 2 promises sharper battles as contenders look to separate themselves in one of the calendar’s most prestigious events.
