Super Rapid & Blitz: Niemann leads, Firouzja shines on first day of blitz (opens in new tab)

Alireza Firouzja scored 6½/9 to top the first day of blitz at the Super Rapid & Blitz Poland tournament, but his difficult rapid section left him only eighth overall. Hans Niemann remains the sole leader despite scoring 3½/9 on Friday, with Wesley So half a point behind. Fabiano Caruana and Vladimir Fedoseev are tied for third, a full point behind So. The standings remain tightly packed before Saturday's final day of action. | Photo: Lennart Ootes