Volodar Murzin made history in December of the previous year by winning the 2024 World Rapid Chess Championship. He clinched the title in New York after securing a draw against Karen H Grigoryan in the final round, following a remarkable victory over R Praggnanandhaa in the penultimate round, which featured an impressive king march.

The 18-year-old concluded the tournament with a score of 10 out of 13, achieving seven wins, six draws, and no losses. His impressive performance included significant victories against top-ranked players such as Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, and R Praggnanandhaa. With this achievement, he became the second-youngest world rapid champion in history, following Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who was 17 when he won the title in 2021.

In related news, Russian sports website Sports.ru reported that Murzin has expressed his desire to no longer represent the Russian Chess Federation (FSHR), citing that all Russian competitions are conducted under the FSHR's banner. He also indicated his wish to sever ties with the current leadership of the FSHR.

Alexander Tkachev, the Executive Director of the Russian Chess Federation, recently criticized Murzin. He stated, “You live in a great country that has provided you with an education and housing, which is departmental.”

“You are employed by the Ministry of Sports and receive a salary. You benefit from all the social advantages, including those related to your large family—these are also social benefits and guarantees. You enjoy the same rights as all ordinary citizens of Russia. Yet, you choose to criticize and disparage Russia… How can this be? These are two incompatible positions.

“And to suggest that he is only 18 years old… At 18, I was serving with a Kalashnikov assault rifle on the Soviet Union's border. To imply that he does not comprehend the situation is misguided… He understands everything perfectly well. One should not disparage the source from which one benefits,” he added.

Currently, Murzin holds the position of World No. 69 in the FIDE rankings, with a rating of 2657.

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