Did Gukesh Just Stun Carlsen in Zagreb's Rapid Chess?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying match, World Champion D. Gukesh outsmarted Magnus Carlsen in Zagreb, seizing the sole lead in the Grand Chess Tour. This victory, his fifth in a row, not only showcased Gukesh's skills but also served as a powerful rebuttal to Carlsen's previous comments. With the tournament still ongoing, all eyes are on the young prodigy.
Key Takeaways
- Gukesh's victory over Carlsen highlights his rising status in the chess world.
- The win marks Gukesh's fifth consecutive victory in the tournament.
- With 10 points, Gukesh now leads the Grand Chess Tour.
- Carlsen's previous comments about Gukesh added pressure, making this win even more significant.
- The SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia continues with more rounds ahead.
Zagreb, July 4 (NationPress) In a remarkable turn of events, World Champion D. Gukesh once again made headlines in the chess community by overcoming World No.1 and five-time champion Magnus Carlsen during the sixth round of the rapid section of the Grand Chess Tour's SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia on Thursday.
Just days after his impressive victory over Carlsen at the Norway Chess 2025, Gukesh showcased his prowess in rapid chess, marking his fifth consecutive win and taking the sole lead with 10 points.
Jan-Krzysztof Duda managed a draw against Wesley So, placing him second with 8 points. Meanwhile, Fabiano Caruana secured his first tournament win by defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov with the black pieces in another Round 6 match.
This victory proved to be a fitting response from the Classical World Champion, especially after Carlsen referred to him as “one of the presumably weaker players.” Carlsen's comments came shortly after Gukesh claimed victory over Ding Liren in Singapore last year, making him the youngest World Champion in history.
Following his triumph in Norway Chess 2025 at Stavanger, Gukesh's latest win against Carlsen in Zagreb was a strong retort to the World No.1's remarks. The tournament continues with its rapid phase through Friday.
Carlsen, playing with white pieces, began with the English opening and appeared to have an advantage early on. However, Gukesh maintained his composure and took control with a decisive pawn move on the 26th turn.
As time pressure mounted, Carlsen faltered and his position deteriorated as his clock ticked down to under a minute. Ultimately, he resigned after 49 moves, finding himself trapped in an unfavorable position.
The SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia marks the third event of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour, starting with the rapid section consisting of 9 rounds, followed by 18 rounds of blitz. The tournament features four of the five highest-rated players globally, including Carlsen, Caruana, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, and Gukesh.
Earlier in the tournament, Gukesh triumphed over compatriot Praggnanandhaa in the fifth round, leading to a four-way tie with Carlsen, So, and Duda. His latest victory against Carlsen has placed him in the lead with three more rapid chess rounds remaining.
Point of View
I believe Gukesh's victory against Carlsen is a testament to the changing dynamics in the chess world. His consistent performance not only challenges established players but also inspires a new generation of chess enthusiasts in our nation. We stand firmly behind our talented players who represent our country on the global stage.
NationPress
04/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the Gukesh vs. Carlsen match?
D. Gukesh defeated Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round of the Grand Chess Tour, marking his fifth consecutive win.
How many points does Gukesh have after this victory?
Gukesh now holds 10 points, placing him in the sole lead of the tournament.
What is the format of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia?
The tournament consists of a rapid section with 9 rounds followed by 18 rounds of blitz.
Who are the top players in the tournament?
The tournament features top players including Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, and D. Gukesh.
What was Carlsen's reaction to Gukesh's previous achievements?
Carlsen had previously referred to Gukesh as 'one of the presumably weaker players' after Gukesh's World Championship win.
