3 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026 11:49 PM IST Just days after R. Praggnanandhaa’s impressive exploits at Norway Chess 2026, where he defeated Magnus Carlsen twice, another Indian has struck a blow against the five-time World Champion. Arjun Erigaisi tasted victory over Carlsen during the second day of the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championship 2026 in Hong Kong. Arjun, representing defending Rapid team champions MGD1, played on top board against a star-studded WR Chess side, who were hot favourites and led by Carlsen on Board No. 1. In the sixth round of the Rapid event, Arjun was pitted against Carlsen, and his win helped MGD1 defeat WR Chess in a high-octane clash. In a wild Queen’s Gambit Declined game, an uncharacteristic rook blunder by Carlsen proved decisive. The Norwegian had earlier sacrificed his bishop in desperation to gain an edge, but a queen b6 check from Arjun ensured the advantage stayed with the Indian. Arjun admitted he initially thought he had missed something when Carlsen launched the aggressive bishop takes e6 sacrifice. However, …