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Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Magnus Carlsen's quiet storm: How chess king humbled Gukesh amid doubt, drama, and a blitz rampage
The chess world recently witnessed another captivating chapter featuring its undisputed titan, Magnus Carlsen, and the formidable rising Indian prodigy, D. Gukesh. Their intensifying rivalry has captivated audiences, creating palpable tension and drama in every encounter. A pivotal moment was the now-infamous "table smash" incident at Norway Chess 2025, where Gukesh's stunning classical victory against Carlsen elicited a rare, visceral display of frustration from the usually composed Norwegian. This highly charged contest set the stage for their subsequent clash at Croatia's Grand Chess Tour 2025. A pivotal moment in Magnus Carlsen-Gukesh D rivalry was the now-infamous "table smash" incident at Norway Chess 2025(Narendra Modi-X) The Rivalry Intensifies: Carlsen vs. Gukesh Ahead of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Croatia, Magnus Carlsen, known for his psychological warfare, made headlines with provocative comments regarding D. Gukesh. Carlsen said he would approach the upcoming tournament as if playing against one of the weaker participants. He further questioned Gukesh's abilities in shorter time controls, indicating that the Indian World Champion had not shown anything to suggest he would perform well in such a tournament. This dismissive assessment was rooted in Gukesh's FIDE ratings, placing him significantly lower in Rapid (42nd) and Blitz (93rd) than his classical World Champion status. Carlsen acknowledged Gukesh's previous good performance at the venue but added that his proficiency in this format still needed to be proven among the top players. This public challenge ignited debate and amplified the stakes for their next encounter. The Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb marked their first face-off since the "table smash." The tournament format, featuring nine rapid and eighteen blitz rounds, was precisely the shorter time control Carlsen had doubted Gukesh's proficiency. Carlsen's Candid Reflections: Winning Without Optimal Play Despite his pre-tournament remarks downplaying Gukesh's abilities and candid admissions of not being at his best, Carlsen emerged victorious again. His triumph showcased unique resilience and an unparalleled ability to win even when, as he described it, the moves were not flowing. Carlsen openly admitted to struggling throughout the tournament, revealing a lack of enjoyment in playing chess and a constant hesitation, indicating his play was relatively poor at the time. Despite these profound internal struggles, Carlsen's ultimate triumph underscored a truth he articulated: when others do not perform exceptionally well, his less-than-perfect game is usually sufficient, though he always strives for more. He even conveyed a feeling that he hadn't truly won the tournament, given that only one day's performance was very decent, with the rest being merely acceptable at best. This admission from the world's best player offers a rare glimpse into the mental fortitude required to win at the highest level, even when passion wanes. The Tournament Turnaround: From Deficit to Dominance The tournament saw Gukesh initially dominate the rapid section, securing a convincing 3-point lead and emerging as the favourite heading into the blitz rounds. His strong start included a victory over Carlsen in the rapid event, putting him in the sole lead after the rapid stage. However, the tide turned dramatically in the blitz segment, a format where Carlsen's speed and intuition are legendary. Despite his self-professed lack of enjoyment and feeling mentally sluggish on the final day, Carlsen demonstrated formidable blitz skills. He seized the opportunity as Gukesh struggled in the faster format, losing only one blitz game while winning eight and drawing the rest. This strong showing, particularly on Day 4, allowed Carlsen to storm into the lead and clinch the title with a round to spare. Their third individual clash resulted in a swift 14-move Berlin draw variation, an anticlimactic moment that underscored the cautious respect between them. Final Standings: A Testament to Carlsen's Unique Prowess The final standings of the SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz event vividly illustrate Carlsen's victory and his unique ability to win even when not at his peak: Player Rapid Points Blitz Points Overall Points GM Magnus Carlsen 10 12.5 22.5 GM Wesley So 8 12 20 GM Gukesh D 14 5.5 19.5 GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda 11 5 16 GM Praggnanandhaa R 9 4.5 13.5 View All Prev Next Note: Rapid wins count for 2 points, draws 1 point; Blitz wins count for 1 point, draws 0.5 points. Gukesh's commanding lead in the rapid section (14 points) clearly shows his initial strength. However, Carlsen's subsequent domination in the blitz (12.5 points) highlights his remarkable ability to shift gears and capitalize on opponents' weaknesses in faster formats. Despite Carlsen's admitted struggles, the final winning margin highlights his exceptional ability to secure victory even when not at his peak. It is a testament to a fundamental understanding of the game and a competitive drive that often proves more than sufficient, even when his "A-game" is elusive. This victory redefines what constitutes the status of a "Greatest Of All Time" (GOAT), emphasizing unparalleled consistency and the extraordinary ability to prevail despite internal and external challenges. Beyond the Chess Board: Ella's Support and the Dad-to-Be Factor Behind Magnus Carlsen's strategic brilliance stands his wife, Ella, whom he married in a picturesque ceremony in Oslo. Ella is more than just a supportive presence; she described being actively involved rather than merely waiting bored at the hotel and watching his games, highlighting her active and integral role. A significant personal milestone, adding another profound layer to Carlsen's current journey, is the couple's announcement in May 2025 that they are expecting their first child. Magnus confirmed the joyous news with a social media post featuring his pregnant wife. Ella has openly discussed the logistical challenges of balancing impending parenthood with Magnus's demanding career, yet she confidently affirmed that he would be an amazing father. Carlsen subtly acknowledged Ella's positive influence, particularly on Day 4 of the Grand Chess Tour when he put up a strong show, remarking that his score might have been different otherwise. This statement hints at the crucial, albeit often unseen, role her presence and support play in his performance and overall well-being. The GOAT's Unwavering Dominance: Carlsen's Unparalleled Achievements Despite his self-professed less-than-peak performance and internal struggles, Magnus Carlsen's victory at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 unequivocally reaffirmed his status as the "GOAT." His dominance in the chess world is unparalleled: World No. 1 in FIDE rankings since July 1, 2011, marking the longest consecutive streak in history. Five-time World Chess Champion. Five-time World Rapid Chess Champion. Reigning eight-time World Blitz Chess Champion. Peak rating of 2882, achieved in May 2014, the highest in history. The longest unbeaten streak at the elite level in classical chess at 125 games. This latest triumph in Croatia marks his sixth consecutive tournament victory in 2025, a testament to his relentless winning streak. Magnus Carlsen's victory at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 vividly showcased the escalating, emotionally charged rivalry with D. Gukesh, where the young Indian prodigy continues to challenge the established order, securing significant victories against the World No. 1. Yet, Carlsen, the undisputed "GOAT," demonstrated an unparalleled capacity to win even when feeling mentally fatigued and not enjoying chess, a testament to his good-enough performance often being more than enough to overcome the world's best. The chess world now eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Carlsen-Gukesh saga, a rivalry that has transcended the chessboard to capture the imagination of millions globally. Will Gukesh continue his meteoric ascent, solidifying his challenge to Carlsen's supremacy across all formats? Or will Carlsen, the reluctant champion who continues to defy expectations, further cement his legacy by proving that even a less-than-perfect performance is sufficient for the undisputed King of Chess to win another major tournament comfortably? The pieces are set for more thrilling encounters.
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First Post
07-07-2025
- Sport
- First Post
'My B-game is usually enough': Magnus Carlsen reacts after dominating Grand Chess Tour 2025
Carlsen finished at the top of the leaderboard with 22.5 out of 36 points. He looked calm and confident throughout the tournament and defeated local boy Ivan Saric in the final round to win the trophy. read more Magnus Carlsen took the first place at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz and won $40,000 prize money. Image: Grand Chess Tour Magnus Carlsen proved once again why he is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time. The former World Champion completely dominated the Super United Rapid and Blitz tournament in Zagreb, Croatia, winning the title with a round to spare. The tournament was part of the Grand Chess Tour 2025. Carlsen finished at the top of the leaderboard with 22.5 out of 36 points. He looked calm and confident throughout the tournament and defeated local boy Ivan Saric in the final round to win the trophy. After winning the title, Carlsen gave an honest reaction that caught everyone's attention. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Carlsen's first reaction after SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz win 'When nobody else has a great performance, my B-game is usually enough. Always striving for more though!' the current World No. 1 wrote on X (formerly Twitter). When nobody else has a great performance, my B-game is usually enough. Always striving for more though! — Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) July 6, 2025 Carlsen had finished third in the rapid section of the tournament held from 2 to 4 July. Current World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh had secured the first place with 14 out of 18 points in the rapid leg. Carlsen had just 10 points going into the blitz section of the Grand Chess Tour event. However, the five-time world champion made a remarkable comeback, scoring 12.5 points in the blitz section, which helped him finish at the top of the overall standings. Thanks to his victory, Carlsen won USD 40,000 as prize money out of the total pool of USD 1,75,000. American Grandmaster Wesley So finished second with 20 points and took home USD 30,000, while Gukesh won USD 25,000 after securing third place with 19.5 points. Gukesh edged Duda Jan-Krzysztof of Poland and Alireza Firouzja of France by just 0.5 points to secure the podium finish. SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia: Final standings 1. Carlsen (Norway, 22.5 points) 2. Wesley So (USA, 20 points) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. D Gukesh (India, 19.5 points) 4-5. Duda Jan-Krzysztof (Poland), Alireza Firouzja (France) 19 points each 6. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan, 18 points) 7-8. Fabiano Caruana (USA), Anish Giri (Netherlands) 17 points each 9. R Praggnanandhaa (India, 15 points) 10. Ivan Saric (Croatia, 13 points)
India.com
05-07-2025
- Sport
- India.com
D. Gukesh Clinches Rapid Title At Grand Chess Tour Zagreb 2025
The 19-year-old world champion D. Gukesh dominated the rapid section of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz (Grand Chess Tour 2025) with an outstanding performance in Zagreb. Final Standings – Rapid Section D. Gukesh – 14.0 / 18 (6 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) Jan‑Krzysztof Duda – 11.0 (only player to defeat Gukesh in round 1) Magnus Carlsen – 10.0, finishing third after slipping in later rounds Tournament Highlights A Rocky Start & Spectacular Recovery Gukesh stumbled in the opening round, losing to Duda. However, this proved to be the catalyst for his turnaround; he responded with five straight wins, dismantling elite opponents such as Firouzja, Caruana, Carlsen, Abdusattorov, and So. Crushing the Reign of Magnus, His win over Magnus Carlsen in Round 4 was a highlight, revered by commentators. Garry Kasparov remarked, 'Now we can question Magnus' domination… It was a big fight. And Magnus lost.' Carlsen had previously underestimated Gukesh but was outplayed in the tactical exchange. Calm and Tactical Precision in Finale In the final round, Gukesh delivered a textbook performance against Wesley So, converting a middlegame advantage into a decisive win in just 36 moves Mid-Tournament Resilience On Day 3, after two quiet draws (against Anish Giri and Ivan Saric), Gukesh regained momentum with a commanding victory over So, extending his lead to three points in the blitz phase Tournament Context & Outlook Format: 10-player rapid round-robin (25+10), followed by 18 blitz games (5+2). Prize Fund: Total $175,000 across rapid and blitz Tour Schedule: Zagreb is the third of five GCT events in 2025, capped by finals in São Paulo Blitz Section The blitz section of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb is scheduled for July 5 and 6. These rapid-fire rounds will determine the final standings, with the overall champion of the Zagreb leg crowned based on combined results from both the rapid and blitz formats. Zagreb represents the third stop on this year's Grand Chess Tour. Earlier legs took place in Poland and Romania, where India's R Praggnanandhaa secured a title win in Bucharest and finished third in Warsaw. Following Zagreb, the tour will shift to the United States in August for the next two events. It will then conclude in Brazil between September and October, with the final leg featuring a complete set of classical, rapid, and blitz games, offering a comprehensive test of each participant's versatility.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
World Champion D Gukesh clinches rapid crown at Grand Chess Tour 2025 Zagreb
World Chess Champion D Gukesh (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh secured the rapid title at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 Rapid & Blitz tournament in Zagreb, Croatia on Friday, July 4, 2025. The 19-year-old reigning World Champion demonstrated remarkable resilience by bouncing back from an initial loss to clinch five consecutive victories, including a notable win against Magnus Carlsen , ultimately accumulating 14 points to claim the top position. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Poland's Jan-Krzysztof Duda finished in second place with 11 points, while former world champion Magnus Carlsen secured third position with 10 points. The tournament witnessed another Indian participant, R. Praggnanandhaa , who shared fourth place with Fabiano Caruana, both scoring nine points. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ukraine: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Undo Gukesh's path to victory included strategic draws in the seventh and eighth rounds against Anish Giri and Ivan Saric respectively. He sealed his triumph with a victory over Wesley So in the final round of the rapid section. Quiz: Who's that IPL player? The Zagreb tournament represents the third event in the Grand Chess Tour 2025 calendar, following the completion of tournaments in Poland and Romania during April and May. The competition structure continues with the blitz section scheduled for July 5 and 6, where players will compete for the overall title based on combined points from both rapid and blitz sections. Poll Which aspect of Gukesh's game do you admire the most? Consistency in performance Ability to defeat top players Resilience after losses Strategic thinking R. Praggnanandhaa has already established his presence in the Grand Chess Tour 2025 circuit with a victory in Bucharest, Romania, and a third-place finish in Warsaw, Poland. These performances highlight the strong representation of Indian chess players in international competitions. The Grand Chess Tour 2025 calendar includes two upcoming tournaments in the United States scheduled for August. The final tournament of the series will take place in Brazil from September to October, featuring an expanded format that encompasses classic, rapid, and blitz sections. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
India Gazette
07-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
(SP)ROMANIA-BUCHAREST-GRAND CHESS TOUR 2025
Xinhua 07 May 2025, 06:45 GMT+10 (250507) -- BUCHAREST, May 7, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov (L) of Russia makes a move of an opening symbolic match against Constantin Bracon, a Romanian disabled person, during the official opening ceremony of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 tournament in Bucharest, Romania, May 6, 2025. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
