Koneru Humpy Triumphs at 37: Secures Her Second World Rapid Chess Championship

New York, Dec 29 (NationPress) Koneru Humpy, India's highest-rated female chess player, has successfully clinched her second World Rapid Championship title, wrapping up the tournament with a remarkable score of 8.5/11 this Sunday (IST).

Her first gold medal was secured during the 2019 edition held in Moscow.

As the final round commenced, there was a seven-way tie at the top, but Koneru distinguished herself as the sole player to achieve victory. Competing with the black pieces, she skillfully outmaneuvered Indonesia’s International Master Irine Kharisma Sukandar in a demanding endgame, claiming the title elegantly.

"Becoming a world champion at 37 is no easy feat. Maintaining motivation and sharpness becomes increasingly challenging with age. I am thrilled to have accomplished this," Koneru remarked following her victory, as reported by FIDE.

"I am incredibly happy to have won for a second time. Honestly, I never anticipated this, especially after losing my first-round match. I had no idea I could end the tournament as the world champion. This win holds special significance for me. During times of struggle, I believe this triumph has reinvigorated my passion for chess," she further stated.

Koneru’s success adds another prestigious achievement to the remarkable accomplishments of Indian chess in 2024, following the nation's gold medals in the Chess Olympiad this summer in both the Open and Women’s categories, along with Gukesh D being crowned as the World Champion in classical chess.

"This is a monumental moment for India - with Gukesh as the World Champion and my second world title in the Rapid event," Koneru expressed.

Koneru’s journey to the top began modestly, earning just 2.5 points out of four on the first day. However, by the end of the second day, she had surged into a tie for first place alongside her compatriot Harika Dronavalli and the reigning Classical World Champion Ju Wenjun from China.

As they entered the final round, the leaderboard displayed an extraordinary seven-way tie. Alongside Koneru were Ju Wenjun, Harika Dronavalli, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Irine Kharisma Sukandar, and Uzbekistan’s Afruza Khamdamova, all vying for the title, according to FIDE.

Lagno, a pre-tournament favorite, had previously dealt a significant blow to former World Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk in round nine, while Khamdamova surprised Grandmaster Elisabeth Paehtz to join the frontrunners.

Koneru’s 8.5 points secured her first place, finishing half a point ahead of six players who tied for second, including Ju Wenjun, Kateryna Lagno, Tan Zhongyi, Harika Dronavalli, Alexandra Kosteniuk, and Afruza Khamdamova.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Volodar Murzin made history as the second-youngest player to win the Open Rapid.