In a jaw-dropping display of talent, Delhi’s 9-year-old chess sensation Aarit Kapil came within inches of defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen during the prestigious ‘Early Titled Tuesday’ online tournament held on June 25, 2025. Competing from his hotel room in Georgia—where he’s currently representing India at the Under-10 World Championship—Aarit held the five-time world champion to a dramatic draw that has stunned the global chess community.
A Game for the Ages
Facing Carlsen in a high-stakes online clash, Aarit maneuvered into a completely winning position, forcing the Norwegian into a rare defensive stance. With a rook versus two minor pieces in the endgame, the young Indian had a clear advantage. However, with just seconds left on his clock, Aarit was unable to convert the win and settled for a well-earned draw.
“He had Carlsen in a lost position. That’s not something many can say—let alone a 9-year-old,” noted one analyst.
Rising Star with a Record
Aarit Kapil is no stranger to headlines. In December 2024, he became the youngest Indian ever to defeat a Grandmaster in classical play, beating Raset Ziatdinov at just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old. He currently holds the Candidate Master (CM) title and boasts a peak Elo rating of around 1825, with a reputation for calm under pressure and razor-sharp tactics.
What’s Next for Aarit?
With two wins already under his belt at the U-10 World Championship, Aarit is eyeing a podium finish. His next matches will be closely watched as fans and experts alike hail him as India’s next chess prodigy.
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