The Dragon Breathes Fire Again: Chinese Team Completes Historic Golden Double In Hong Kong

It's hard to work out how serious to take the FIDE's pro-am World Team Rapid and Blitz Championship. It is a relaxed tournament, for sure.

But the star players turn out for it and the money on offer is certainly real—even if the names of some of the teams are rather silly.

Nevertheless, there was real, undeniable drama on Sunday as China's Dragon Chilling made event history by becoming the first Chinese team to win the Blitz portion, defeating Endgame.AI in the final to complete a remarkable golden double after also claiming the rapid title earlier in the week in Hong Kong.

The victory capped a dominant campaign for the Chinese squad, who survived a dramatic quarter-final against Mr Birdie and Friends, edged Uzbekistan in a tense semi-final tie-break and then outclassed Endgame.AI in the final. Dragon Chilling collected the €75,000 first prize from the €190,000 Blitz Championship prize fund.

It was a welcome win for Chinese chess in a year dominated so far by India and its new rival on the world stage, Uzbekistan. China is back.

But, in truth, this event is not really about nationality. Endgame.AI finished runners-up and received €50,000, while Uzbekistan secured bronze and €30,000 after defeating Hexamind in the third-place match.

Defending champions WR Chess, the tournament's top seeds boasting GM Magnus Carlsen, were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Uzbekistan and finished fifth. Carlsen, despite more smiles at the end, did not have a happy time in Hong Kong.

The final day at Hong Kong's Queen Elizabeth Stadium showcased elite blitz chess at its best, with upsets, tie-breaks and dramatic swings before Dragon Chilling sealed a historic victory for Chinese chess.

At the closing ceremony, FIDE Deputy President GM Viswanathan Anand praised Hong Kong's role as host.

"Hong Kong did not simply host the event—it embraced it, lifted it, and gave it a stage worthy of the world's best players."

He also highlighted the wider significance of the championship.

"Chess does not belong only to the elite. It belongs to clubs, schools, families, local communities and every player who loves the game."

Geoffrey Kao, Honorary President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, said the event demonstrated Hong Kong's growing role on the international chess calendar.

"We proved that Hong Kong is not just a hub of finance and commerce. We are also a stage of international chess."

Final day drama

The knockout stage began with one of the tournament's biggest surprises as Uzbekistan eliminated defending champions WR Chess. After winning the opening match 3.5–2.5, Uzbekistan held the return match 3–3, with GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov beating Carlsen to secure victory and send the pre-tournament favourites out of medal contention.

On the first day, Abdusattorov pulled off a major coup by passing the magic 2800 mark in Blitz chess. The 21-year-old Uzbek won 8/9 games and drew once gaining 16.9 points in the live rating to reach his record rating of 2801.9. His inexorable rise continues.

Endgame.AI also produced an upset by knocking out Team MGD1. Led by GM Hans Niemann, the team won the first match 3.5–2.5 before drawing the return encounter to book a semi-final place. Hexamind advanced by defeating ChessGurukul in both matches, while Dragon Chilling needed a playoff to overcome Mr Birdie and Friends after splitting their two-match contest.

The semi-finals produced two dramatic tie-breaks. Dragon Chilling defeated Uzbekistan after each side won one match 4.5–1.5, before prevailing by the same score in the playoff. Endgame.AI recovered from a narrow first-match defeat to beat Hexamind 5–1 in the return leg and then 4–2 in the tie-break to reach the final.

Uzbekistan secured third place in emphatic fashion, overturning an opening defeat to Hexamind before dominating the playoff 5.5–0.5 to earn the bronze medals.

Dragons dominate

The championship match began with former World Champion GM Ding Liren defeating Niemann on the top board as Dragon Chilling swept to a commanding 5–1 victory in the opening match.

There was no comeback in the second encounter. Ding drew his game, while GM Ju Wenjun, Wei Yi, Lu Shanglei and Wang Zihao all scored victories. GM Yu Yangyi completed the performance with a draw against GM Alexey Sarana, sealing the title and an historic double for the Chinese team.

"We prepared for a long time and played as a family; we are a family," said Dragon Chilling captain GM Ni Hua after lifting the trophy.