Zagreb, July 4, 2025 – Indian chess sensation D Gukesh delivered a stunning performance at the Grand Chess Tour’s Zagreb leg, clinching the rapid section title with an impressive 14/18 points, edging out top opponents on his way to dominance .
Dominance in the Rapid Arena
Gukesh’s road to victory was marked by extraordinary consistency:
- Five consecutive wins early in the event, including key victories over heavyweights like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana .
- He concluded the rapid section with two draws (vs. Anish Giri and Ivan Saric) and a final round win over Wesley So, securing a full 14/18 tally .
- This commanding result gave him a three-point lead heading into the 18-round blitz phase .
Clash of the Titans
Behind Gukesh, the contenders remained in close pursuit:
- Jan-Krzysztof Duda, the only player to beat Gukesh in rapid, finished with 11 points, remaining unbeaten throughout .
- Magnus Carlsen secured 10 points, delivering notable plays such as his victory over Fabiano Caruana, but still trailing Gukesh by three .
- Meanwhile, Fabiano Caruana, despite feeling his loss to Gukesh was “the worst game of the tournament,” hailed the Indian’s performance as a testament to strong practical play .
Commentators lauded Gukesh’s strategic resilience:
- Garry Kasparov compared him to a computer for his relentless tenacity, noting his ability to withstand pressure and continuously fight back from difficult positions .
- Gukesh himself reflected, “When my back is against the wall I do everything I can,” echoing his unyielding style across formats .
What’s Next? Battling Through the Blitz
- The event transitions into the 18-round blitz stage starting July 5, where each win equals one point .
- Gukesh’s multi-point lead positions him as the favorite—but upsets are still possible in rapid-fire blitz.
- Fan excitement is building: “Can Magnus make up enough points?” reads one popular Reddit post .
Why This Matters
This rapid-format win underlines Gukesh’s versatility:
- Initially criticised as a “weaker rapid player,” he has now clearly shattered that reputation .
- By conquering giants like Carlsen and Caruana in quick time controls, he’s stamping his authority as a true all-format champion.
- His 14/18 rapid score reflects remarkable adaptability, deep calculation, and psychological endurance.
Final Thoughts
D Gukesh’s rapid masterclass at Zagreb is more than just a tournament win—it’s a bold statement. As he carries a commanding lead into the blitz phase, the chess world is abuzz. Will he convert this into an overall tour victory? One thing’s certain: his fearless, computer-like resolve makes him a force to be reckoned with.
Stay tuned for more updates as the blitz section begins—this Grand Chess Tour showdown is just heating up.
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