Indian chess sensation and reigning world champion D Gukesh has once again made the country proud by winning the rapid section of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia. The 19-year-old grandmaster displayed remarkable skill and composure, defeating some of the world’s strongest players, including former world champion Magnus Carlsen, to secure the top spot in the rapid segment of the tournament.
Weaker Player
Gukesh’s journey in Zagreb was nothing short of dramatic. He started the tournament with a setback, losing his first-round game to Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda. However, the young champion bounced back in style, stringing together a series of victories that included a crucial win over World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round. This victory was particularly significant, as Carlsen had previously commented that Gukesh was “one of the weaker players” in the field. Gukesh responded on the board, outplaying Carlsen with the black pieces and forcing the Norwegian to resign after 49 moves.
The Indian grandmaster’s momentum did not stop there. He went on to defeat top players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Fabiano Caruana, and Wesley So. His final game against Wesley So was a masterclass, as Gukesh capitalised on a tactical error to win in just 38 moves with the white pieces. By the end of the rapid section, Gukesh had scored an impressive 14 points out of a possible 18, with six wins, two draws, and only one loss. This gave him a commanding three-point lead over his nearest rival, Duda, who finished with 11 points, while Carlsen managed 10 points for third place.
Very Important Day for Chess
Gukesh’s performance was widely praised by chess legends and commentators. Garry Kasparov, former world champion, remarked that it was a “very important day” for chess, noting that Gukesh’s convincing win over Carlsen signalled a shift in the power dynamics at the top of the chess world. Carlsen himself admitted that he was “not enjoying chess at all right now” and credited Gukesh for making the most of his opportunities.
The Grand Chess Tour in Zagreb is part of a larger series, with combined points from both the rapid and blitz formats determining the overall winner. The blitz section, featuring 18 rounds, is set to begin next, with Gukesh, Carlsen, Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa among the top contenders.The tournament boasts a prize fund of USD 1,75,000, with the winner set to take home USD 40,000.
Gukesh’s victory in Zagreb adds to his growing list of achievements. Earlier in the year, he had stunned Carlsen in the classical format at the Norway Chess tournament, and now, with another rapid title under his belt, he continues to cement his place among the elite in world chess. His success is a testament to his sharp preparation, mental resilience, and fighting spirit, making him a role model for young chess players across India and the world.
