D. Gukesh takes fifth consecutive win in Rapid in Zagreb; Made shape by defeating world number‑1 Carlsen again
D. Gukesh’s Spectacular Comeback in Croatia
In the Rapid segment of the Grand Chess Tour – SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia, held in Zagreb, Croatia from 2–6 July 2025, World Champion D. Gukesh created history. In the sixth round on the second day, he once again defeated Norway’s former World No. 1, Magnus Carlsen, with an outstanding performance. This victory not only made him the sole leader of the tournament but also proved that he can consistently compete in short formats as well.
Early Setback – Loss to Duda from Poland
The tournament didn’t begin well for Gukesh. In the first round, young Polish Grandmaster Jan-Krzysztof Duda defeated him in 59 moves. This loss served as a warning for Gukesh, but he turned the defeat into a learning experience.
Impressive Comeback – Five Consecutive Wins
After the loss, Gukesh made a powerful comeback:
- In the second round, he defeated Alireza Firouzja of France.
- In the third round, he secured a win over fellow Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa.
- In the fourth and fifth rounds, he scored brilliant victories against Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov and America’s Fabiano Caruana.
These consecutive wins boosted his confidence, placing him at the top of the Rapid standings.
Beating Carlsen Again – A Statement Victory
In the sixth round, Gukesh once again defeated Magnus Carlsen. This match was significant, especially because Carlsen had previously referred to Gukesh as “weak” in the rapid format. Carlsen had said:
“…I will treat it like I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players…”
However, Gukesh proved that his capabilities in the short format are not to be underestimated. With this win, he reached 10 points and gained a clear 2-point lead over others in the tournament.
Breaking Records in Classical Format Too
On 5 June 2025, at the Norway Chess Tournament, Gukesh defeated Carlsen for the first time in classical chess—marking his career’s first classical win over the former World No. 1. Carlsen reacted intensely to the loss, slamming the table in frustration.
Gukesh responded with humility:
“98 out of 99 times I would have lost; today was just a lucky day.”
Reactions from Social Media and Chess Community
- Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa commented on Carlsen’s reaction: “Is it a good thing? Maybe not.”
- Carlsen’s table-slamming incident was criticized widely on social media, with some calling it “unsportsmanlike.”
- Former World Champion Garry Kasparov remarked: “Now we can question Magnus’ domination.”
Sole Lead in Zagreb
Out of a total of 18 points available in the rapid format, Gukesh secured 14 points to claim a clear lead and won the rapid championship. Duda followed with 11 points, while Carlsen ended third with 10 points.
Preparing for the Upcoming Blitz Segment
Gukesh’s current form suggests that he is likely to perform well in the Blitz rounds as well (scheduled for 5–6 July). A strong start in Blitz will be crucial as it could determine his overall standing heading into the next Grand Chess Tour stage in Saint Louis.
Conclusion: The Future of Chess Shines Bright
D. Gukesh turned an early loss into a stellar comeback with five straight victories.
He defeated Magnus Carlsen in both classical and rapid formats—first in classical (1 June, Norway Chess) and then in rapid (3–4 July, Zagreb).
His performance indicates that young Indian Grandmasters are now making their mark on the global stage.
Gukesh’s humility, strategic brilliance, and results have mesmerized fans on social media.
With the Blitz rounds and the upcoming Saint Louis stage ahead, the Grand Chess Tour promises more excitement. Gukesh’s victory is not just a record—it signals the dawn of a new era in chess, where young Indian players are now challenging the world’s very best.
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