GM Vladislav Artemiev led the FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025 and held 6.5 points through seven rounds. He drew his final six tournament games, with his game against Javokhir Sindarov ending after nine moves and his game against Alexey Sarana after ten moves. In an interview with NRK, chess expert Kristoffer Gressli expressed frustration with these results while analyzing Artemiev’s games.

Kristoffer Gressli

Kristoffer Gressli

Chess expert

“I am simply in despair. Are they even playing chess? Or are they not? They sit and just move pieces. Did they even play chess if they agree to a draw after ten or twelve moves? Did they play chess? Or not? It outrages me that this is even allowed at a World Сhampionship.

I think there should be some rules about draw agreements. When it comes to major tournaments, it’s strange that quick draws are possible. It’s illogical, if you ask me. These rules need improvement. When players have this opportunity, it’s very difficult to say no.”

Vladislav Artemiev told NRK he thought for a couple of minutes before accepting Sindarov’s draw offer.

Vladislav Artemiev

Vladislav Artemiev

Russian GM

“I considered it a practical decision. Perhaps not the best, but when you’re in a comfortable position, it’s not easy to play for a win. For Magnus, everything is different — he has many World Championship Titles. For everyone else, it’s 50/50. Sometimes you win, sometimes you take a draw.”

The FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025 takes place in Doha, Qatar from December 26 to 28, featuring a €500,000 prize pool. Vladislav Artemiev (2641) finished the tournament in second place, scoring 9.5/13 points and earning €50,000.

Credit: FIDE/Anna Shtourman