Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Dec 31: Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi suffered a crushing defeat in the semifinals of the World Blitz Championship, going down 2.5–0.5 to top Uzbek player Nodirbek Abdusattorov in Doha on Monday. The 22-year-old Indian eventually settled for the bronze medal.
Erigaisi, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament and had defeated Abdusattorov on the opening day, was tipped to mount a strong challenge in the semifinals. However, the contest took a difficult turn for the Indian grandmaster as Abdusattorov dominated the match to seal a comfortable victory.
In the other semifinal, defending champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway continued his strong run, defeating American Fabiano Caruana 3–1 to book his place in the final.
Carlsen will now face Abdusattorov in the title clash, setting up a high-profile finale to the World Blitz Championship.