A nine-year-old Aarit Kapil from Delhi achieved a remarkable draw against world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the 'Early Titled Tuesday' online chess tournament. The young prodigy, competing from Georgia while participating in the Under-10 World Championship, nearly outplayed the chess legend in a thrilling blitz game that ended in a draw after 49 moves.

Aarit, a FIDE Candidate Master with a peak Elo rating of approximately 1825, had Carlsen in a losing position during their encounter.

However, time pressure prevented him from converting his advantage, resulting in a hard-fought draw. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Aarit’s budding chess career, showcasing his exceptional talent and composure against one of the greatest players in chess history.

Aarit’s journey in chess began at the tender age of five, guided by his sister, Aarna, who introduced him to the game. His natural aptitude quickly became evident as he clinched victory in an international online tournament shortly after learning the rules. Since then, Aarit has continued to make waves in the chess world. In 2024, he became the youngest Indian to defeat a grandmaster, Raset Ziatdinov, in a classical chess match, further cementing his reputation as a rising star.

Currently, Aarit holds the title of runner-up in the Under-9 National Championship and is competing in the Under-10 World Championship in Georgia, where he continues to test his skills against top young talents. His performance against Carlsen highlights not only his technical ability but also his mental fortitude, as he navigated a high-stakes game under intense time constraints.

The chess community has taken notice of Aarit’s achievements, with many praising his potential to become a future grandmaster. His ability to challenge a player of Carlsen’s calibre at such a young age speaks volumes about his skill.

His draw against Magnus Carlsen is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the growing strength of Indian chess. He is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global chess stage, potentially joining the ranks of India’s chess elite in the years to come.