FIDE World Rapid 2025: Carlsen and Zhu Jiner shine on Day 1 in Doha
The FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025 has begun in Doha, Qatar. The event is being held at the Sports and Events Complex of Qatar University. Hundreds of chess fans watched as the final world championship of the year moved from opening ceremony to intense competition.
After the first day, Magnus Carlsen is among the leaders in the Open section. In the Women’s section, Zhu Jiner has taken a clear early lead with a perfect score.
Open Rapid: Five players share the lead
After five rounds, five players are tied at the top with 4.5 points. The leaders are Magnus Carlsen, Arjun Erigaisi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Vladislav Artemiev, and reigning Classical World Champion Gukesh D.
Before the event, Carlsen confidently said he came to Doha to win. He proved it by winning his first four games in convincing style. In round five, he faced Arjun Erigaisi, one of the strongest players of the new generation.
The game entered a Queen’s Gambit Declined and soon simplified into a queen and rook endgame. Carlsen pressed hard, as expected, and reached a rook ending with two extra pawns. However, Erigaisi defended accurately and held the draw, stopping Carlsen from a perfect score.
Gukesh D also had an excellent start. After drawing his first game, he won four games in a row. This strong performance helped him join the group of leaders after a mixed showing at the Global Chess League in Mumbai.
Defending World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin had a tough first day. He lost early in round two to Rudik Makarian. He suffered two more defeats before finally winning in round five. With only 2 points out of 5, his chances of defending the title look slim.
Praggnanandhaa also struggled on day one. He won his first game but followed it up with two draws. In round four, he lost as Black to lower-rated Levan Pantsulaia. He finished the day below expectations.
Former World Rapid Champion Vasyl Ivanchuk is on 3 points. He won his first game but then drew four games in a row.
Women’s Rapid: Zhu Jiner takes clear lead
Zhu Jiner is the sole leader in the Women’s Rapid after winning all four of her games. She dominated her opponents and showed excellent form from the very start. Her victories included strong performances against Elina Danielian and Nana Dzagnidze. In round five, she is set to face Aleksandra Goryachkina.
Seven players are just half a point behind Zhu Jiner. The chasing group includes Nino Batsiashvili, Mariya Muzychuk, Antoaneta Stefanova, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Harika Dronavalli, Song Yuxin, and Sara Khadem. Many of them are former world champions or title challengers.
Tan Zhongyi had one of the most dramatic days. In round three, she had a winning position against Vaishali Rameshbabu. Under time pressure, she missed a back-rank checkmate and lost the game. Despite winning her other three games, this single mistake cost her the lead. Rapid chess often rewards speed but can also punish even small errors.
Defending Women’s Rapid Champion Humpy Koneru finished the day with 3 points from two wins and two draws.
Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun also scored 3 points. She was held to a surprising draw in round one by Govhar Beydullayeva. Later, she missed a clear chance to gain material against Umida Omonova and had to settle for another draw.
Live coverage and event details
Fans can follow the games live on the FIDE YouTube channel. Commentary is provided by Grandmasters Maurice Ashley and Peter Leko, along with IM Jovanka Houska.
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025 are being held from December 25 to 30 in Doha, Qatar. The tournament features both Open and Women’s Rapid and Blitz events. With a total prize fund of over €1,000,000, it brings together the world’s best chess players for an exciting end-of-year showdown.
Photos: Anna Shtourman, Lennart Ootes, FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
