The race for the FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025 title is finely poised after nine gripping rounds, with Vladislav Artemiev and Hans Niemann emerging as joint leaders on 7.5 points.
With just one decisive day left, the Open section has produced a compelling mix of elite consistency, dramatic upsets, and a tightly packed chasing group that promises a thrilling finish.
Artemiev’s Day Two performance was arguably the standout of the tournament so far. Having been among the leaders after Day One, the Russian elevated his game under pressure, starting with a remarkable comeback win as Black against India’s Arjun Erigaisi. Playing much of the game on increment, Artemiev defended tenaciously from a worse position before turning the tables a result that set the tone for his day. That victory made him the sole leader midway through the event.
The defining moment came in Round 7, when Artemiev defeated Magnus Carlsen. A rare and costly error by the world number one on move 15 allowed Artemiev to seize control, converting the advantage with precision. The win pushed him to 6.5/7, a full point clear of the field at that stage, and firmly established him as the man to beat. Artemiev then showed maturity and tournament awareness, closing the day with two calm draws against Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Alexey Sarana to reach 7.5 points.
Matching him at the top is Hans Niemann, whose aggressive and uncompromising style paid dividends. Niemann scored 3.5/4 on the day, conceding only a draw to compatriot Ray Robson. His run included important wins over Le Quang Liem and Alexander Shimanov, results that underlined his ability to handle elite opposition in rapid time controls. Niemann’s consistency has kept him alongside Artemiev heading into the final rounds.
Behind the leaders, the chasing pack remains very much in contention. Four players sit on 7/9, just half a point off the lead: Magnus Carlsen, Alexey Sarana, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and Turkish prodigy Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus. Carlsen’s path to this group was eventful. After a strong 4.5/5 on Day One, the Norwegian was slowed early on Day Two by a difficult draw against Vachier-Lagrave in a Sicilian where structural weaknesses left him fighting for equality. His loss to Artemiev in Round 7 was a major blow, prompting a visibly frustrated exit from the playing hall.
However, champions respond, and Carlsen did just that. He rebounded with back-to-back wins against Shant Sargsyan and Ray Robson, showing trademark control in the endgame and excellent clock management. Those victories pulled him back into the title conversation.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
One of the stories of the day was Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus, the 14-year-old Turkish sensation rated 2446, who scored 3.5/4. His wins over Jorden van Foreest and Nihal Sarin highlighted not just talent, but composure well beyond his years. Abdusattorov, meanwhile, made a strong statement by dismantling Gukesh D in the King’s Indian Attack, a result that halted the Indian world champion’s momentum.
From an Indian perspective, the standings remain encouraging. Arjun Erigaisi and Gukesh D both stand on 6.5/9, placed eighth and eleventh respectively, while Nihal Sarin is on 6/9. Gukesh’s Day Two was uneven solid draws early, a fighting win against David Anton, followed by a tough loss to Abdusattorov but he remains within striking distance of the podium.
Elsewhere, defending champion Volodar Murzin struggled for rhythm, finishing the day on 4.5/9, while seasoned campaigners like Levon Aronian and Ian Nepomniachtchi experienced mixed fortunes, reflecting the unforgiving nature of rapid chess at this level.
With the leaderboard tightly compressed and momentum shifting round by round, the final day promises high drama. Artemiev and Niemann have the advantage, but with Carlsen, Abdusattorov, and a fearless teenage prodigy in pursuit, the World Rapid Championship remains wide open.
