Aarit Kapil, a nine-year-old chess player from Delhi, India, has become the center of attention in the chess world after securing a draw against reigning world number one, Magnus Carlsen. This remarkable achievement occurred during the "Early Titled Tuesday" tournament on a major online chess platform.
Kapil's performance was more than just a lucky draw; he pushed Carlsen to the brink and, for a significant portion of the game, held a clear advantage. Playing from his hotel room in Georgia, where he is currently participating in the Under-10 World Championship, Kapil demonstrated composure and tactical acumen well beyond his years. He maneuvered Carlsen into what chess analysts described as a "completely lost position." In the endgame, Kapil had a rook against Carlsen's two minor pieces, an advantage that could have led to a stunning victory against one of the greatest chess players of all time.
However, with only seconds left on the clock, Kapil was unable to convert his advantage into a win, and the game ended in a draw. Despite missing the opportunity to defeat Carlsen, the draw itself is a monumental achievement, rarely accomplished by players of Kapil's age.
Kapil's rise in the chess world has been rapid. He gained initial recognition in December 2024 when he defeated Grandmaster Raset Ziatdinov at the KIIT International Open in Bhubaneswar. At nine years, two months, and eighteen days old, Kapil became the youngest Indian to defeat a Grandmaster in classical play and the third-youngest globally. His calm temperament and sharp tactical skills were evident in that game, where he capitalized on a late blunder by Ziatdinov to secure a 63-move victory.
Kapil currently holds the title of Candidate Master (CM), a FIDE title typically awarded to players who reach a rating of 2200. While his peak Elo rating is around 1825, his exceptional performances in international youth events have also contributed to his title.
Coached by IM Vishal Sareen, Kapil dedicates five to six hours daily to chess. His parents, Vijay and Nisha, support his passion and are actively seeking sponsors to help him participate in more international events. Their excitement was palpable when Kapil excitedly told them that he drew with Carlsen.
While Kapil was making waves against Carlsen, another Indian player, V Pranav, emerged victorious in the "Early Titled Tuesday" tournament, scoring an impressive 10 out of 11 points. American Grandmaster Hans Moke Niemann finished second on tiebreaks, with Carlsen also scoring 9.5 points.
Kapil's draw against Carlsen is not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for India's chess community. It highlights the country's growing prominence in the sport, especially among young talents. Experts note that Kapil's game demonstrates an understanding of positional play and endgame tactics that is rare for his age. In the ongoing Under-10 World Championship, he has already won his first two matches, further raising expectations.
The chess world eagerly anticipates Kapil's future performances, recognizing his potential to become a leading figure in the game. His recent draw against Magnus Carlsen serves as a powerful testament to his talent and determination, solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of chess.
