World Blitz: Carlsen to clash against Niemann in quarterfinals

The opening day of the World Blitz Chess Championships in New York brought electrifying action, with top players battling for a spot in the knockout stages. In the open section, 10 players tied for first place with 9½/13, but only 8 advanced, including Magnus Carlsen, Hans Niemann (pictured) and newly crowned rapid champion Volodar Murzin. Meanwhile, in the women’s event, Vaishali Rameshbabu delivered a commanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 9½/11 to finish a full point ahead of her closest rival. | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza