Magnus Magic in Kolkata: Carlsen Completes Double in Style

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen completed a remarkable double at Tata Steel Chess India tournament, clinching blitz title with a round to spare here on Sunday.

Just days after securing rapid title, 33-year-old Norwegian maestro produced a scintillating performance, including a dramatic turnaround against Indian prodigy Arjun Erigaisi in penultimate round, to reach an unassailable 12 points.

Carlsen capped off tournament in style, defeating Vidit Gujrathi in final round to finish with three consecutive wins and a total of 13 points to claim blitz crown.

This marks his second double victory in Kolkata, replicating his triumph from 2019.

Filipino-American Grandmaster Wesley So staged a phenomenal comeback, winning six straight games and seven of his last eight, to secure second place with 11.5 points.

Reflecting on his performance, Carlsen said, "It was a really, really nervy day. I was lucky that Wesley was one who went on a big streak because he couldn't realistically catch me. Overall, tournament win is good. score is not great but very decent, so I'm happy." Carlsen also revealed his next plans, saying, "I'm heing to Singapore in a few hours to promote Freestyle Chess with Fabiano Caruana. I'll be playing a match with Fabi in a few days. It should be fun, and being a tourist at World Championship for a couple of days will be exciting." Indian contingent performed mirably, with Erigaisi (10.5 points) claiming third place, followed by R Praggnanandhaa (9.5) in fourth, and Vidit Gujrathi (9) in fifth.

In women's section, three-time Women's World Blitz champion Kateryna Lagno of Russia emerged victorious with 11.5 points, narrowly edging out compatriot Valentina Gunina, who finished second with 11 points.

Aleksandra Goryachkina and India's Vantika Agrawal shared third place with 9.5 points each.