New Delhi: Magnus Carlsen became the first-ever chess player to achieve a 2900 rating, reaching the landmark in the latest Freestyle rating list. The world number one has tried to scale Mt 2900 in classical rating for years, but has always fallen short 10-20 points of the round figure.
According to the Guardian, Carlsen, at 2909, is nearly 100 points ahead of Hikaru Nakamura in second place in the new Freestyle rating list. The five-time champion was aided by his perfect 9/9 performance at Grenke Karlsruhe in Germany. Meanwhile, India’s D Gukesh, the reigning FIDE world champion, ranks a lowly 26th with 2701 points.
Despite his best efforts over the years, Carlsen’s highest classical rating is 2882. His 2909 rating points in the newly introduced format sets a new benchmark for the top chess players.
Carlsen eyeing strong outing in Las Vegas
The Norwegian will be aiming to consolidate his position and rating points in Freestyle chess in the third leg (of five) of the Freestyle $3.75m Grand Slam at Wynn Las Vegas. The 16-member tournament will take place on 16-20 July, with the field including most of the usual top names.