For Arjun, participation in the World Rapid and Blitz Championship is critical because it could help him top the FIDE Circuit standings. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
After a nerve-wracking wait for a the past week, Arjun Erigaisi has received his US visa to compete at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship at Wall Street in New York.
Arjun Erigaisi confirmed the development to The Indian Express in a text message on Monday. Arjun added that he will be flying to New York later on Monday night.
For Arjun, participation in the World Rapid and Blitz Championship is critical because it could help him top the FIDE Circuit standings. Arjun is currently trailing World No 2 Fabiano Caruana by just six points in the FIDE Circuit standings. The World Rapid and Blitz Championship is the last tournament that offers points for the FIDE Circuit 2024 race.
Whoever tops the FIDE Circuit race at the end of 2024 will earn himself one of the eight spots at the Candidates tournament. The winner of the Candidates tournament will then challenge Gukesh at the next World Chess Championship in 2026.
It must be noted that even if Arjun misses out on securing the top spot via the FIDE Circuit standings, there will be seven more spots available at the Candidates via different routes.
But winning a quota via the FIDE Circuit will free up Arjun Erigaisi from chasing the spot via other avenues and he can focus on training for the second-toughest challenge in the sport.
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