December 10, 2024 – Delhi’s Aarit Kapil has created history by becoming the youngest Indian ever to beat a Grandmaster. At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days of age, Aarit defeated a seasoned Grandmaster and one who is 57 years older than him. The youngster was playing against Grandmaster Raset Ziatdinov of the US yesterday in the ninth and final round of the KIIT International Open Tournament at Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.

It was a long-drawn 63-move endgame with the senior player opening with positional superiority and a better pawn structure. The Grandmaster is known as a master of the white pieces. But, as soon as Ziatdinov made a crucial error, losing a knight, the young prodigy grabbed the chance with both hands and with pinpoint accuracy turned his lead into a resounding win. In the game’s last few moments, he was cool and composed, displaying a maturity well beyond his years.

 Although he did not win the tournament but this win has put Aarit in the annals of history.

Others before him, who are among the youngest players to defeat a Grandmaster globally under classical time control, are Ashwath Kaushik (Singapore) who is all of eight years and six months. And Leonid Ivanovic of Serbia who is eight years 11 months.

Aarit will next be playing in the Under-13 national championship in Duragpur later this month and then the Under-9 nationals in Pune.