Qualifiers advance to face Carlsen at Katara International Chess

Doha: A total of 15 qualifiers, including wildcard entrant GM Alexander Grischuk of Russia, have advanced to face 7-time world champion and defending champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the 2nd edition of the Katara International Chess Tournament 2021 which began on Sunday.

The qualifiers emerged from among 5143 participants worldwide. Grischuk was extended the wild card by the organizers – the Qatar Chess Federation (QCF) in cooperation with the Cultural Village Foundation – Katara – given his stature as World No.7 and FIDE Rating (2776). With $12,800 in prizes up for grabs, the action will continue today with the Knockout Final of Online Bullet Chess on lichess.org.