Kaneru Hampi
New York/New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has triumphed as the 2024 FIDE Women’s World Rapid champion! She secured her victory by defeating Irene Kharisma Sukandar from Indonesia in Round 11 at Wall Street, Nee York, today.
This marks Humpy’s second championship title, having previously won in 2019.
Despite an initial setback on the first day of the tournament, the 37-year-old managed a stunning comeback, finishing with an impressive 8.5 points out of 11 rounds.
Her 32-year-old Indonesian opponent Sukandar is Indonesia’s first ever woman chess grandmaster, and is a two-time Asian women’s champion.
In New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her accomplishment, stating that she “continues to inspire millions.” In a post on X, he congratulated Humpy and emphasized the significance of her victory as her second world rapid championship title, making her the sole Indian to reach this remarkable milestone.
In the open section, Russian Grandmaster Volodar Murzin took home the title, while India’s Arjun Erigaisi finished in fifth place, just a point shy of the leader.
Koneru Humpy’s success underscores her resilience and extraordinary talent in the rapid chess format.
For a detailed analysis of her championship-winning game, watch the following video:
– global bihari bureau
