Teen chess sensation D. Gukesh secured a commendable third-place finish at the Grand Chess Tour SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia, while Magnus Carlsen claimed victory with his signature understated style.
Gukesh’s Rollercoaster Ride
Nineteen-year-old Classical World Champion D. Gukesh endured a grueling five-day tournament in Zagreb, showcasing remarkable resilience in speed chess. After dominating the Rapid event and holding a comfortable three-point lead, his campaign faced a significant challenge.
The Blitz segment proved difficult, with Gukesh losing seven out of nine rounds, including five consecutive defeats on Saturday. Two more losses at the start of the final day pushed him out of the top three, making a podium finish seem unlikely.
A Crucial Turnaround
His fortunes shifted dramatically when he faced Jan-Krzysztof Duda, his World Championship Second. Duda, who had a strong record against Gukesh and knew his game intimately from extensive training sessions, was poised to deliver a knockout blow.
However, Gukesh, playing under immense pressure, delivered a stunning performance, dismantling Duda in just 28 moves. This victory reignited his tournament, putting him back in contention for a top spot.
Pragmatism Against Carlsen
Next came the highly anticipated clash with Magnus Carlsen. Known for their aggressive styles and refusal to settle for draws, this game took an unexpected turn. With podium contention on the line, Gukesh prioritized stability.
He opted for a strategic ‘Grandmaster’s draw’ with white pieces, concluding the game in just 14 moves and under a minute. This uncharacteristic, pragmatic move allowed him to secure crucial points and preserve his chances for a higher finish.
The Dramatic Finish
The final round was full of suspense, with Gukesh, Duda, and Wesley So all tied at 19 points, battling for second place. Duda’s loss to Anish Giri boosted Gukesh’s prospects. Meanwhile, Wesley So, initially losing to Fabiano Caruana, snatched a victory after Caruana missed a winning move.
Gukesh ultimately drew against Praggnanandhaa, which saw Wesley So secure second place ahead of him. Despite this, Gukesh’s third-place finish earned him eight Grand Chess Tour points and $25,000.
Carlsen’s “Survival” Victory
Magnus Carlsen, the World No. 1, clinched his 10th Grand Chess Tour Rapid and Blitz title, finishing with a commanding 22.5 points—a 2.5-point lead over runner-up Wesley So. He secured the win with a round to spare.
Carlsen himself described his play as “survival” chess, employing an “old man’s chess” approach. Despite his clear dominance, he expressed a surprising indifference towards the victory.
Understated Triumph and Reactions
“It does not really feel like I won, it feels like I just came here, played alright and nobody really did anything special in the end and I ended up winning,” Carlsen told broadcasters, attributing his success to one strong day of play.
Chess legend Garry Kasparov playfully poked fun at Carlsen’s self-assessment, tweeting, “Not bad for ‘old man chess!'” Carlsen responded in his signature cryptic style with a GIF of a pin dropping and the simple caption: “Haters.”
- D. Gukesh finished 3rd in a highly competitive field, securing $25,000.
- Gukesh overcame significant struggles in the Blitz segment after dominating the Rapid.
- Magnus Carlsen won the tournament with a significant lead, marking his 10th GCT Rapid and Blitz title.
- Carlsen described his winning strategy as “survival” or “old man’s chess,” expressing indifference despite the victory.
Both players demonstrated unique strategies and resilience, making the Zagreb tournament a memorable one for chess fans worldwide.
