World Rapid Championships Kick Off in Almaty
Valentina Gunina is heading the race in the women's event.
The World Rapid and Blitz Championships started in the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, Almaty, on 26 December. The tournaments are the Swiss events with 13 rounds in the Open Section and 11 rounds in the Women's Section with the 15+10 time control.
After five rounds in the open event, four leaders emerged: Magnus Carlsen, Vladimir Fedoseev, Arjun Erigaisi, and Jorden Van Foreest have got 4.5 points each. The Russians Ian Nepomniachtchi, Alexey Sarana, and Volodar Murzin are in the chasing pack with 4 points scored.
The Russian Valentina Gunina has taken the sole lead after winning four games out of four. Tan Zhongyi, Leya Garifullina, Humpy Koneru, Elina Danielian, and Gunay Mammadzada are trailing by half a point.
The Russian participants are playing under the FIDE flag.
Tournaments on Chess-Results
Official website
Photos by Vladimir Barsky
