This is a flash report. The full report is coming soon. 

WR Chess completed their phenomenal run on the final day of the World Rapid Team Championship, clinching first with a round to spare. It was truly a team victory as every member contributed, and several players turned in dazzling performances. GM Ian Nepomniachtchi scored 7/9 on board two. GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda went undefeated with 7/8 on the third board. GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu nearly swept his opponents with 6.5/7. GM Hou Yifan also scored one victory after another, giving up only a single draw to finish with 5.5/6. GM Alexandra Kosteniuk was yet another undefeated player, scoring 4.5/6.  

WR Chess finished two points ahead of the field. Yet, their opponents on the last day gave them a real fight. Two teams—Armenia, led by GM Gabriel Sargissian, and Berlin Chess Federation, led by GM Niclas Huschenbeth—were finally able to gain draws against the unbeatable leaders. 

GM Viswanathan Anand’s Freedom finished in clear second while GM Harikrishna Pentala’s Team MGD1 succeeded in the fight for bronze. 

Nepomniachtchi unleashed the King’s Gambit vs. the legendary GM Peter Svidler in round nine. This is our Game of the Day, analyzed by GM Rafael Leitao. 

Ian Nepomniachtchi kept smiling at the start of the game against Peter Svidler, and then played the King’s Gambit!

“I was hoping for my teammates as I was absolutely sure I am going to fail,” said Ian on air after the game, which he won.

Photo by Niki Riga#FIDErapidteams pic.twitter.com/yBMkNzltQ7

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) August 28, 2023