Magnus Carlsen and Bibisara Assaubayeva have become new World Blitz Champions, QazMonitor reports citing FIDE.
Magnus Carlsen scored 16/21 in the Open section and finished clear first, a full point ahead of Hikaru Nakamura and Haik Martirosyan. Magnus leaves Almaty as the World Chess Champion in Classical, Rapid and Blitz.
Bibisara Assaubayeva successfully defended her title of the Women’s World Blitz Champion she had won last year in Poland. After an uneven performance on the first day, the 18-year-old player switched to high gear on the second day scoring an impressive 7/8 and clinched the title.
During the post-game press conference Assaubayeva commented on her victory.
I have become the world champion for the second year in a row. Last year, I won the championship very confidently, and this year not so confidently. Now I want to settle down a little bit, be with my family. I really miss them.
