The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships continue in Samarkand.

Yesterday, the 5th round of the competition took place with a total prize fund of $1 million. The current world champion Magnus Carlsen scored 4.5 points out of 5 possible and is leading the standings based on additional indicators.

Indian chess players Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Santosh, Yu Yangyi from China, and Ivan Cheparinov from Bulgaria also have 4.5 points each.

Four more meetings will be held today. In the 6th round, Magnus Carlsen will play against Vidit Santosh on the first board with black pieces. On the second board, Arjun Erigaisi and Yu Yangyi will meet.

[gallery-15229]

Photos by Muhammad Amin, UzA