Armenian Grandmaster Shant Sargsyan Defeats World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at World Rapid Team Championship

Armenian Grandmaster Shant Sargsyan scored a major upset at the 2026 World Rapid Team Chess Championship, defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Hong Kong, according to the Armenian Chess Federation.

The victory came during the seventh round of the prestigious tournament, where Sargsyan overcame the Norwegian grandmaster, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in chess history and the highest-rated player in the world.

Sargsyan’s win is a significant achievement for Armenian chess on the international stage, highlighting the country’s continued tradition of producing elite players capable of competing with the world’s best.

The 2026 World Rapid and Blitz Team Chess Championships are being held in Hong Kong, China, from June 17 to 21, bringing together top players and teams from across the globe.

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