Viswanathan Anand congratulated R Vaishali for winning bronze medal in World Blitz Championship 2024

The Indian chess player, R Vaishali made the end of 2024 memorable, winning the bronze medal in the Women's World Blitz Championship, bringing laurels to the country. In the quarterfinals of the tournament, Vaishali defeated Zhu Jiner of China, while in the semifinals she lost to Ju Wenjun, also from China, who later became the champion.

R Vaishali defeated Zhu Jiner 2.5-1.5 in the quarterfinals. However, she lost to Ju Wenjun 0.5-2.5. Ju Wenjun won the title by defeating her fellow player Lei Tingjie 3.5-2.5 in the final in semi-finals.

Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand praised R Vaishali for this achievement. International Chess Federation Vice President Viswanathan Anand said, "Congratulations to R Vaishali for winning the bronze medal. This is the result of her tremendous hard work and talent. Our mentee of Westbridge Anand Chess Academy has made us proud."

He also praised Koneru Humpy, who won the gold medal in the Rapid Championship. Anand said, "There could be no better way to end 2024. We are proud that we have a world champion (Humpy) and a bronze medalist (Vaishali)." 

The women's final was between Ju Wenjun from China and Lei Tingjie, both giving their utmost to win the title. Ju won with her excellent strategy. Meanwhile, in the men's category, it was a thrilling match between Carlsen and Nepomniachtchi. In the open category, Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the title.

Carlsen came from behind as he lost to Hans Niemann in the morning but won convincingly in the afternoon against Jan-Krzysztof Duda. As for Nepomniachtchi, he has already secured his spot in the final against the rapid champions, Volodar Murzin and Wesley So.

It was Carlsen who took the lead in the last 2-0, but Nepomniachtchi's brilliant comeback squared things at 2-2, followed by three very thrilling matches in the tiebreak with both players remaining absolutely equal, with the title being shared.