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

Kancha Gachibowli Land Controversy Protest All You Need To Know

The auction of 400 acres of forested land in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, has sparked widespread…

56 mins ago

Richest Man in India by April 2025, Know the Names of Top-10

India is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the world. These billionaires have…

4 hours ago

Richest Man in the World by April 2025, Know About the Top-10 Richest Men

The richest men in the world have made huge amounts of money through technology, shopping…

5 hours ago

Excise Duty Hiked on Petrol and Diesel

Central Government of India announced an increase in excise duties on petrol and diesel by…

5 hours ago

Who was the First Defence Minister of India?

India became an independent country on 15th August 1947. After independence, the new government was…

5 hours ago

Kazakhstan’s Major Rare Earth Elements Are Discovered

Kazakhstan has uncovered its largest-ever reserve of rare earth metals at the Kuirektykol site in…

6 hours ago