Ding Liren's Dragon Chilling clinched the FIDE World Rapid Team Championship title in Hong Kong, defeating Team MGD1 on the third tiebreak.

What happened?

Team MGD1, led by Arjun Erigaisi, finished tied for the top spot alongside Dragon Chilling and Hexamind Chess Team, with all three teams scoring 18 points from 12 Rapid rounds.

The turning point

The Indian team started the final day with a 3.5-2.5 loss to Hexamind, which proved costly in their bid to defend the title.

Ding Liren's team beat Interstellar Club 5-1 to level with Team MGD1 on both board and match points.

The final standings

Team MGD1 had 632 points in the third tiebreak, compared to Dragon Chilling's 647.5, securing the Chinese team's maiden title.

Arjun Erigaisi took individual bronze on Board No. 1, while Nihal Sarin won individual bronze on Board No. 2.

Leon Luke Mendonca led Team MGD1 to the podium, winning individual gold on Board No. 5.

The bigger picture

Pre-event favourites WR Chess, featuring Magnus Carlsen, had a poor outing, finishing in 18th place, with Carlsen scoring just three points from eight rounds.

Carlsen lost four games in a row, while Arjun Erigaisi took down the superstar in an earlier match.

The FIDE World Rapid Team Championship saw intense competition, with several teams vying for the top spot.

Ding Liren's victory marked a significant win for the Chinese team, with Dragon Chilling making their first appearance in the unique team event.

The event showcased the skills of top chess players, including Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and R. Praggnanandhaa, who won individual gold at Board No. 1.

The championship highlighted the growing competition in the world of chess, with teams from around the globe participating.

Ding Liren's win demonstrated his team's strength and strategy, as they outmaneuvered their opponents to claim the title.

The FIDE World Rapid Team Championship will continue to be a premier event in the chess calendar, attracting top teams and players.

The victory marked a milestone for Ding Liren and his team, as they celebrated their win in Hong Kong.

The championship saw several upsets, with top teams facing unexpected challenges, and Ding Liren's team emerged victorious.

The win was a testament to the team's hard work and dedication, as they prepared for the championship.