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World Champion D Gukesh will not be playing in the Las Vegas leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, citing exhaustion after Norway Chess. Vidit Gujrathi will replace him, donning Gukesh’s red jacket. The $750,000 event runs July 16–20 at Wynn Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the India leg in September is cancelled, and Jan Henric Buettner will step down as CEO on July 1.

The Indian leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, scheduled for September in New Delhi, has been cancelled due to a lack of sponsors. This is a disappointment for fans hoping to see Magnus Carlsen compete in India. CEO Jan Henric Buettner confirmed the move and will step down in July. The next event is in Las Vegas this July.

Nine-year-old Aarit Kapil from New Delhi achieved a remarkable draw against World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in an online blitz game during the Early Titled Tuesday competition. Despite time constraints, the fifth standard student maintained a winning position against the five-time world champion.