New Delhi: In a remarkable display of skill and composure, nine-year-old Aarit Kapil from Delhi held world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen to a draw during the prestigious ‘Early Titled Tuesday’ chess tournament on a leading online platform.
Aarit, fresh off a runner-up finish at the Under-9 National Championship, stunned the chess world by putting the five-time world champion on the defensive.
At one point, Aarit had Carlsen in a completely lost position.
However, with only seconds remaining on his clock, the young prodigy was unable to capitalise on his advantage, concluding the game in a tense rook versus two minor pieces endgame.
Competing from Georgia, where he is representing India at the Under-10 World Championship, Aarit has started strong with two consecutive victories in the tournament.
He is set to play his third game on Wednesday as he aims for a podium finish.
Elsewhere in the ‘Early Titled Tuesday,’ India’s V Pranav secured the title with a dominant performance, scoring 10 out of 11 points.
American Grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann edged out Carlsen on tiebreak to claim second place, with both finishing at 9.5 points.
Aarit’s extraordinary feat against Carlsen has already sparked excitement in the chess community, marking him as one of India’s rising stars in the sport.
