In a jaw-dropping display of talent and determination, Aarit Kapil, a 9-year-old chess prodigy from Delhi, has become the youngest Indian ever to defeat a Grandmaster. He achieved this incredible milestone by beating 66-year-old Raset Ziatdinov from the United States during the ninth round of the KIIT International Open Tournament.
At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days, Aarit now ranks as the third-youngest player in the world to conquer a Grandmaster under classical time control. The only players younger than him to achieve this feat are:
- Ashwath Kaushik (8 years, 6 months) – An Indian-origin player representing Singapore.
- Leonid Ivanovic (8 years, 11 months) – A young chess sensation from Serbia.
How Did Aarit Defeat a Grandmaster?
Taking on an experienced Grandmaster like Ziatdinov — known for his sharp strategy – would intimidate most players, but Aarit stayed focused and fearless. The game wasn’t easy. Ziatdinov had a stronger pawn structure, leaving Aarit in a slightly weaker position with his white pieces.
But Aarit didn’t back down. The 63-move match stretched into a nerve-wracking endgame. In a critical moment, Ziatdinov made a costly mistake, losing a knight.
