Arjun breaks silence on stunning victory over Carlsen in World Rapid Team Championship: 'Thought I missed something'

Day 2 of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships witnessed Magnus Carlsen crumble against an Indian Grandmaster yet again. After consecutive defeats against R Praggnanandhaa at Norway Chess earlier this month, the world No 1 suffered a stunning loss at the hands of Arjun Erigaisi during the sixth-round showdown between WR Chess and Team MGD1 in Hong Kong on Thursday.

It wasn't an ideal game for either player with both players committing a rook blunder each. However, it was the one committed by Carlsen in the 30th move that proved decisive, with the Norwegian GM pushing his rook to e2. Arjun then sealed the contest in his favour with a Queen sacrifice next move (Qxf3), setting up a bishop checkmate in one move, prompting a resignation from the reigning Rapid and Blitz world champion.

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'To beat WR is incredible'

Reacting to his victory, which played a key role in helping Team MGD1 beat WR Chess 3.5-2.5 in the sixth round, Arjun revealed he thought he had "missed something", and that it took him a moment to realise that he was in a winning position.

"It got really interesting after that. I saw it, but I didn’t really think it would work. But after he took, I first thought I missed something. But then I found this direct win B6 check, and then I think I’m better but it’s not that clear. And in the end, I think this rook d8 was quite important and sacking back the exchange. I think it was still fine for him, but there was a lot of tricks and time pressure with the weak king, it wasn’t easy for him to play," Arjun said in a post-game interview with FIDE.

"I had to take back the piece, I had no other option. So I took that move immediately. And then the options were to whether move the rook or first to give the check. I was considering the rook move for the lot of time, but then I saw it was not working. And then I realised it’s smart to give the check first, and then I’m doing well.

"To beat WR is incredible and I’m happy I can contribute to this," he added, reflecting on the role that his win played in helping Team MGD1 beat WR Chess – a team that also includes Fabiano Caruana besides Carlsen.

It turned out to be a forgettable day for Carlsen, who was held to a draw by Russian GM Vladislav Artemiev in the fifth round before suffering consecutive defeats, losing to Sky Chess' Shant Sargsyan with black pieces in 50 moves after blundering against Arjun.