Categories: Current AffairsSports

9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Stuns Chess Grandmaster

Nine-year-old Aarit Kapil, a budding chess prodigy from Delhi, made history by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster. In a thrilling encounter during the ninth round of the KIIT International Open Tournament, Aarit emerged victorious against Raset Ziatdinov, a 66-year-old Grandmaster from the United States. At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old, Aarit not only set a national record but also became the third-youngest player globally to achieve this feat under classical time control.

Historical Context

  • Youngest Indian to Beat a GM: Aarit achieved this at 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old.
  • Global Ranking: Third-youngest player globally to defeat a Grandmaster under classical time control.
  • World Record Holder: Indian-origin Ashwath Kaushik from Singapore holds the record at 8 years, 6 months.

The Game Against Raset Ziatdinov

Opponent’s Profile: Ziatdinov, a seasoned GM, is past his competitive prime at 66.

Game Dynamics

  • Ziatdinov started with positional superiority, leveraging a better pawn structure.
  • Aarit showcased resilience, fighting back from a slightly disadvantageous position.
  • In a grueling 63-move endgame, Ziatdinov made a critical error, losing a knight.
  • Aarit capitalized on the mistake, converting his advantage into a decisive victory.

Recognition and Future Challenges

Upcoming Tournaments

  • Under-13 National Championship in Durgapur later this month.
  • Under-9 Nationals in Pune.

Elite Talent: Aarit’s win places him among the most promising young chess talents.

Notable Performances

  • Indian player Sayantan Das held Savchenko to a draw in the final round.

The Top 3 Youngest Players to Defeat a Grandmaster

  • Ashwath Kaushik (Singapore) – 8 years, 6 months.
  • Leonid Ivanovic (Serbia) – 8 years, 11 months.
  • Aarit Kapil (India) – 9 years, 2 months.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? 9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Stuns Chess Grandmaster
Age 9 years, 2 months, 18 days
Tournament KIIT International Open
Opponent Raset Ziatdinov (USA)
Global Rank (Youngest GM Slayer) 3rd
Top 3 Youngest to Beat a GM 1. Ashwath Kaushik (8y 6m)

2. Leonid Ivanovic (8y 11m) 

3. Aarit Kapil (9y 2m)

Shivam

Recent Posts

Top-10 Cities with the Most Billionaires in 2025

In 2025, some cities around the world have become home to the highest number of…

5 hours ago

Which State is the Highest Producer of Pear?

India is a country where many different types of fruits are grown because of its…

7 hours ago

BlackRock Backs $750 Million Adani Private Bond Issue

In a significant development amidst ongoing legal scrutiny, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has…

7 hours ago

Launch of the ‘Inter-AIIMS Referral Portal’ for Seamless Healthcare Management

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, recently launched the Inter-AIIMS Referral Portal…

7 hours ago

Strengthening India-Russia Bilateral Investment Ties through Strategic Projects

India and Russia have agreed on six new strategic projects to bolster bilateral investment ties,…

7 hours ago

Global Technology Summit (GTS) 2025 – Shaping the Future of Global Tech

The 9th edition of the Global Technology Summit (GTS), a flagship event co-hosted by the…

8 hours ago