How Did Gukesh Dominate Wesley So at the Grand Chess Tour?
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Synopsis
Gukesh Dommaraju's stunning victory over Wesley So at the Grand Chess Tour highlights his rapid chess prowess. As the youngest World Champion, Gukesh's performance is a testament to his skill and determination, challenging previous expectations and making waves in the chess community. Stay tuned as the blitz rounds unfold!
Key Takeaways
- Gukesh Dommaraju showcases remarkable skill in rapid chess.
- Defeated Wesley So in a significant upset.
- Currently leads the tournament with 14 points.
- Transitioning to blitz rounds after the rapid section.
- Includes top players like Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.
Zagreb (Croatia), July 5 (NationPress) - Gukesh Dommaraju, the reigning World Champion in classical chess, has once again demonstrated his rising prominence as a formidable competitor in rapid formats by defeating American Wesley So in the concluding round of the rapid segment of the Grand Chess Tour's SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025 tournament held here on Friday.
As the youngest World Champion in chess history, Gukesh secured a commanding victory over Wesley So in the ninth round, elevating his position at the top of the standings with an impressive 14 points after nine rounds. Jan-Krzysztof Duda from Poland ranks second with 11 points, while former World Champion and current World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen of Norway, follows closely in third with 10 points. India's Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu holds the fourth position with nine points.
Gukesh outplayed Wesley in just 38 moves with the white pieces, marking his seventh win in the rapid section. This victory is particularly notable as Wesley is highly regarded in rapid chess and holds the 15th rank, compared to Gukesh's 42nd. Entering the rapid section, Gukesh faced considerable pressure, given that classical chess is his strong suit. World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen had even labeled him a 'weak player' in rapid formats. However, Gukesh silenced skeptics with a remarkable performance, including a victory over Carlsen himself in the sixth round.
The 18-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai now heads into the blitz segment of the third round of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour with a significant lead over his competitors, having won six consecutive matches in this event.
The event will transition from nine rounds of rapid action to an additional 18 rounds of blitz, featuring four of the five highest-rated players globally: Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, and Gukesh Dommaraju.
In other matches during the round, Alireza Firouzja of France drew with Nodirbek Abdusattorov; Magnus Carlsen was held to a draw by Anish Giri, while Praggnanandhaa also shared the points with Jan-Krzysztof Duda. On the final board, Fabiano Caruana triumphed over Ivan Saric with the white pieces.
Point of View
I believe Gukesh Dommaraju's triumph over Wesley So marks a significant milestone in his career. His ability to excel in rapid formats challenges established norms and showcases the depth of talent in Indian chess. This event not only highlights Gukesh's skill but also the evolving landscape of competitive chess.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gukesh Dommaraju?
Gukesh Dommaraju is the youngest World Champion in classical chess and a rising star in rapid chess formats. He has achieved significant recognition for his exceptional skill and performance in competitive chess.
What was the outcome of the match between Gukesh and Wesley So?
Gukesh Dommaraju defeated Wesley So in the final round of the rapid portion of the Grand Chess Tour, showcasing his dominance in the tournament.
What is the Grand Chess Tour?
The Grand Chess Tour is an annual circuit of elite chess tournaments featuring some of the world's best players, combining rapid and blitz formats.
How many points did Gukesh score?
Gukesh scored a total of 14 points from nine rounds in the rapid section of the tournament.
What are the upcoming rounds in the tournament?
After the rapid section, the tournament will proceed to 18 rounds of blitz, featuring top players from around the world.
