Action began today at the King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Moscow ©International Chess Federation/Twitter

China's Wang Hao tops the standings after day one of the open event at the King Salman World Rapid Championships in Moscow.

Wang is one of five players on 4.5 points after five rounds at the Russian capital's Central Chess Club.

The other four are Israel's Ilia Smirin, Azerbaijan's Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Poland's Jan-Krzysztof Duda and the United States' Leinier Domínguez Pérez.

Among the players just behind on four points is reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway.

After four rounds of the women's event, Georgia's Meri Arabidze, Russia's Olga Girya and Irina Bulmaga all sit on four points.

They occupy first, second and third place, respectively.

Action in Moscow is due to continue tomorrow.

Following the conclusion of the rapid events on Saturday (December 28), the blitz events are scheduled to be held on Sunday (December 29) and Monday (December 30).