Arjun Holds Carlsen, Stays Joint Top After Day 1 of FIDE World Rapid

India’s Arjun Erigaisi held world No.1 Magnus Carlsen to a draw to stay joint first after five rounds at the FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025 , as the opening day delivered a tightly contested start at the top of the table.

Arjun and Carlsen both finished Day 1 with 4.5 points , each registering four wins and a draw , a pattern common across the leading pack. The marquee draw between the Indian and the Norwegian ensured that neither could break away early in a championship where margins are expected to be razor-thin.

World classical champion D. Gukesh was also among the frontrunners, ending the day on 4.5 points to remain firmly in contention. Gukesh’s steady play kept him alongside the leaders, reinforcing the growing sense that India’s young stars are well placed to challenge for the crown.

In contrast, R. Praggnanandhaa endured a difficult opening day. Pragg managed two draws and a loss , leaving him trailing the leaders and with ground to make up as the tournament progresses.

The Rapid Championship features 13 rounds , with eight rounds still to be played over today and tomorrow . With the leaderboard tightly packed and several players locked on identical scores, the battle is set up for a dramatic finish.

Carlsen, the defending champion and dominant force in rapid chess, will be aiming to assert his authority as the pressure builds. However, with Arjun showing composure against the Norwegian and Gukesh maintaining momentum, the championship is shaping up as a genuine three-way contest.

As the event resumes, all eyes will be on whether Carlsen can retain his title , or if Arjun or Gukesh can go one better and claim the Rapid crown this time.