Summary:
- 14-year-old Bangladeshi IM Manon Reja Neer achieved remarkable victories against two Grandmasters – Austrian GM Dominik Horvath and German GM Dennis Wagner at the 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship in New York.
- Neer secured 3.5 points after nine rounds, drawing against players from Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, and Greece, ranking 151st among 180 participants in his category.
- This marks a historic moment as it’s the first time Bangladesh has participated in this prestigious chess championship, with Noshin Anjum representing Bangladesh in the women’s category.
- The tournament, hosted at Cipriani Wall Street, features 180 elite players competing in a 13-round Swiss system format with a significant prize pool of $1.5 million.
Bangladesh’s teenage chess sensation Manon Reja Neer has made waves at the 2024 FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship in New York by defeating two Grandmasters in an impressive display of skill.
The 14-year-old International Master, who recently became Bangladesh’s youngest IM in October 2024, secured victories against Austrian GM Dominik Horvath in the fifth round on Thursday and German GM Dennis Wagner in today’s play. Neer also demonstrated his competitive ability by drawing matches against IM Rodwell Makoto of Zimbabwe, IM Arystanbek Urazayev of Kazakhstan, and FM Alexandros Papasimakopoulos of Greece.
After nine rounds of play, Neer has accumulated 3.5 points and currently stands at 151st position among 180 participants in the open section. This performance is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time Bangladesh has been represented at this prestigious event.
The tournament, being held at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York, features 180 of the world’s top players, including defending champion Magnus Carlsen and other elite grandmasters. The rapid championship follows a 13-round Swiss system format in the open section, with players competing at a time control of 15 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move.
In the women’s section, Bangladesh’s Noshin Anjum has secured 2.5 points after eight rounds, placing her at 101st position in a field of 110 competitors.
Neer’s performance at this world championship adds to his growing list of achievements, which includes winning the 48th National Chess Championship of Bangladesh in July 2024, where he finished undefeated with 10 points from 13 games.
The tournament continues through December 31, with the blitz championship following the rapid event. The combined events offer a total prize fund of $1.5 million, making it one of the most significant chess competitions of the year.
