Defending World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin had a difficult opening day and finishing on just two points. He suffered his first setback as early as round two at the hands of his compatriot Rudik Makarian. He went on to lose two more games before making a comeback in round five. With 2/5, his chances of retaining the crown won in New York in 2024 appear slim.
Another slow starter in the World Rapid is Praggnanandhaa. The elite world player won his first-round game, but then made two draws. In round four, he suffered a loss as Black to more than 150 points lower-rated Levan Pantsulaia, ending the day on a disappointing note.
Vasyl Ivanchuk – who won the World Rapid in Doha in 2016 – is also on three points, drawing four games after his first-round victory.
The Women’s Rapid
Zhu Jiner holds the sole lead in the Women’s Rapid section after winning all four of her games today. The Chinese GM dominated from the outset, securing strong positions in every encounter – including against seasoned opponents such as Armenian Grandmaster Elina Danielian and Georgia’s Nana Dzagnidze. In Round 5, she will face Aleksandra Goryachkina, the former Women’s World Championship challenger.
