Top ranked Norwegian Magnus Carlsen leads a group of five players on 4.5 points after five rounds in the open section of the FIDE World Rapid chess championships in Doha. China\u2019s Zhu Jiner is the sole leader in the women\u2019s section \u2013 the only player to achieve a perfect 4\/4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Joining Carlsen atop the points table are Arjun Erigaisi, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Vladislav Artemiev and the reigning World Champion in classical chess, Gukesh D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the opening press conference on Christmas day, Carlsen said that he had come to Doha to win. He backed up those words with four convincing victories in the first four rounds. But in round five he was facing Arjun Erigaisi \u2013 one of the leading players of the new generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Queen\u2019s Gambit Declined, the two went for a line which quickly transitioned into an equal queen and rook endgame. Famous for his excellent technique and ability to \u201csqueeze water from a stone\u201d, Carlsen pushed hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They eventually reached a rook ending where Carlsen had two extra \u201cf\u201d and \u201ch\u201d pawns. This theoretically drawn position requires precision from the weaker side which Erigaisi demonstrated, denying Carlsen the perfect score on day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After a turbulent performance at the Global Chess League in Mumbai, the World Champion Gukesh D had a great run on day one in Doha. Starting with a draw in round one, he went on to score four victories to join the leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defending World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin had a difficult opening day and finishing on just two points. He suffered his first setback as early as round two at the hands of his compatriot Rudik Makarian. He went on to lose two more games before making a comeback in round five. With 2\/5, his chances of retaining the crown won in New York in 2024 appear slim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another slow starter in the World Rapid was Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. The elite world player won his first-round game, but then made two draws. In round four, he suffered a loss as Black to more than 150 points lower-rated Levan Pantsulaia, ending the day on a disappointing note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vasyl Ivanchuk \u2013 who won the World Rapid in Doha in 2016 \u2013 is also on three points, drawing four games after his first-round victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n