Putin congratulated 18-year-old chess player Murzin on his victory at the Rapid World Cup

Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated 18-year-old chess player and grandmaster Volodar Murzin on his victory at the World Rapid Chess Championship in New York. This is stated in a telegram published on December 29 on the Kremlin website.

The head of state noted the skill and excellent preparation of the athlete.

"You have brilliantly coped with the task, in confrontation with strong opponents demonstrated skill, endurance, excellent preparation, convincingly confirmed the high authority of the domestic chess school. And of course, it is gratifying that the entire podium was taken by Russian athletes," the President addressed Murzin.

Putin also wished the grandmaster new achievements and, taking the opportunity, congratulated him on the coming New Year.

He never dreamed: How an 18-year-old Russian became world rapid chess champion

Volodar Murzin, Alexander Grischuk and Yan Nepomnyashchy took the entire podium at the Rapid World Cup in New York City

Murzin won the RapidWorld Cup in New York on December 28. According to the results of 13 games, he scored 10 points. In the final round he drew with white pieces with Karen Grigoryan from Armenia. The second place went to Russian Alexander Grischuk, and the third place went to Russian Yan Nepomnyashchy, who scored 9.5 points. Thus, Russia took the entire podium at the Rapid World Cup.