King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships set to begin

World champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway headlines the field.

He is fighting not only for the titles, but also for first place in the Live Chess Ratings rapid list.

France's Maxime Vachier-Lagrave overtook him after his good run at the Grand Chess Tour Finals in London earlier this month. 

Despite the fatigue of playing non-stop, Vachier-Lagrave will also participate in Russia's capital.

Experts and fans will be closely following Ukraine's Anton Korobov, fifth in the Live Chess Ratings rapid list. 

Last month, Korobov won the rapid stage of the Grand Chess Tour in Bucharest and proved that his high position was no coincidence.

The women’s events will bring together all the best except world champion Ju Wenjun of China and Russian challenger Aleksandra Goryachkina, whose match for the world chess crown is due to take place next month.

Among the competitors is Ukraine's Anna Muzychuk, third in the Live Chess Ratings rapid list.

Action is scheduled to be spread during three days, with 15 rounds in the men's event and 12 in the women's competition.