World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen once again showcased his extraordinary endgame brilliance as he claimed a record-extending ninth World Blitz Chess Championship title, adding to the Rapid gold he won just two days earlier. However, it was heartbreak for Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, who suffered a dramatic meltdown in the semifinals and had to settle for bronze in Doha on Tuesday.
In a gripping finale, Carlsen refused to settle for a draw against young Uzbek sensation Nodirbek Abdusattorov. With the score tied 1.5-1.5 after three games, Carlsen produced a stunning and unexpected pawn move in the decisive fourth game to seal a 2.5-1.5 victory, securing yet another historic Blitz crown.
The triumph was particularly satisfying for the Norwegian champion, who endured an unusually rough qualifying phase. Carlsen struggled through the Swiss rounds and barely managed to secure a semifinal spot.
A draw in Round 19 against Abdusattorov ensured both players progressed, with Carlsen finishing at 13.5 points and Abdusattorov at 13 points, joining India’s Erigaisi, the sole leader with 15 points, and American GM Fabiano Caruana, who finished with 14 points, in the final four.
Carlsen then powered past Caruana with a commanding 3-1 victory to storm into the final. Meanwhile, Abdusattorov was in phenomenal form, dismantling Erigaisi 2.5-0.5 in the semifinals, leaving the Indian star with bronze — his second bronze medal after also finishing third in the Rapid Championship on Sunday.
Despite the setback, Erigaisi’s performance remains a monumental achievement. At just 22, he not only showcased exceptional strength and maturity but also became only the second Indian male player after Viswanathan Anand to win a World Blitz medal in the open category.
Earlier, Erigaisi stunned several top players, including Carlsen and Abdusattorov, to emerge sole leader with 10 points from 13 rounds. On Tuesday, he continued his dominant run, winning four games and drawing two to finish the Swiss stage at 15 points, comfortably booking a semifinal berth.
Facing 2021 World Rapid Champion Abdusattorov again, expectations were high as Erigaisi had already defeated him earlier in the tournament. But the match took an unexpected turn. Despite having chances in the opening game, Erigaisi faltered and lost in 47 moves, falling behind 0-1.
Abdusattorov strengthened his grip in the second game, sealing victory in 83 moves after the crucial Rc5 on move 75. Needing only half a point to secure a final spot, Abdusattorov opted for a quick 33-move draw in the third game despite being better, making the fourth game unnecessary.
While the semifinals didn’t go his way, Arjun Erigaisi’s campaign remains one of grit, brilliance, and promise. He now returns home with two world medals — and tremendous confidence for the future.