Magnus Carlsen has won the open section again at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships ©World Chess Federation

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen has defended his men’s title at the International Chess Federation World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Saint Petersburg.

The 28-year-old, who also retained the standard World Chess Championship title after a historic tie break in November, beat Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda.

He won 17 points in 21 rounds without losing a single game, to cement himself as the world’s strongest blitz player.

"I am just relieved," he said.

"Today was a very tough day.

"I was in front but being chased, and this is never easy.

"Yesterday the score was good, and the play was maybe not as great, but I feel I am usually best against the best players."

Kateryna Lagno won the women's event without losing a game ©World Chess Federation
Kateryna Lagno won the women's event without losing a game ©World Chess Federation

Duda came second with 16.5 points while Hikaru Nakamura from the United States finished third with 14.5.

In the women’s section Russia's Kateryna Lagno claimed the title for the first time since 2010.

She won with 13.5 points ahead of Iran's Sarasadat Khademalsharieh from Iran, who scored 13 points, and China's Lei Tingjie, who managed 12.5.

"I am very happy, of course," Lagno said.

"It is interesting that I didn't lose a single game.

"Of course, I was lucky in some games, but managed to hold them, and I think this is the first time in my life when I did not lose a single game in a blitz tournament."