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The five-times US champion and fast-chess specialist, Hikaru Nakamura, plus the world No 2 and teen star, Alireza Firouzja, lead the challenge for the Norwegian’s rapid and blitz crownsFresh from his crushing victory over Ian Nepomniachtchi in Dubai, Magnus Carlsen opens his defence of his world rapid and blitz titles in Warsaw starting at 2pm GMT on Boxing Day. The 31-year-old Norwegian faces a serious double threat to his ambition to hold three crowns – classical, rapid and blitz – simultaneously, and will need all his legendary skills.Games and commentaries will be viewable live and free online. The tournament is being staged at the PGE Narodowy Stadium, the home of Poland’s national football team. Continue reading...