by Carlos Alberto Colodro

12/29/2024 – The World Rapid Chess Championships concluded with outright victories in both the open and women's sections. In the open category, 18-year-old Russian GM Volodar Murzin stunned a star-studded field to claim the title with an unbeaten 10/13 score, becoming the second-youngest champion in the event's history. Meanwhile, India’s Humpy Koneru clinched her second women's world rapid title with a clutch final-round victory, finishing with 8½/11 points. | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Keeping it solid to beat the superstars

Volodar Murzin delivered a stunning performance to win the open section of the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. The 18-year-old Russian grandmaster scored an unbeaten 10/13 to claim outright victory, surpassing an elite field of competitors. Murzin's triumph makes him the second-youngest champion in the event's history, following Nodirbek Abdusattorov's record-setting victory at age 17 in 2021.

Murzin stayed among the co-leaders for most of the tournament, barring a brief moment when Daniel Naroditsky led after round 7. Entering the final day tied with Arjun Erigaisi, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Alexander Grischuk, the young Russian held his nerve. He beat Duda, drew against his compatriot Grischuk in round 10 and then secured a critical win against Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu.