Rapid & Blitz, Croatia
That was, in a sense, true. Granted, 19-year old Gukesh Dommaraju has been world champion since December, when he defeated the reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore. But that match was played in classical chess, the slowest form of the game. Rapid games usually last 30-60 minutes in total, and blitz games less than ten. Success at those faster time limits calls for a well-honed intuition, whereas classical games require more in the way of stamina and an intense attention to detail.
Gukesh has focused his efforts almost exclusively on classical chess. He skipped the World Rapid & Blitz Championships in New York in December, and almost a year had passed since he participated in internationally rated rapid or blitz events, while his performances in 'Freestyle' events (aka Chess960) have been underwhelming.
But Gukesh proved in Zagreb that his skills are still developing fast. He confounded Carlsen's prediction by taking first place in the rapid event, including a turbulent win against the Norwegian himself (see below). Carlsen got revenge in the blitz event, where Gukesh finished last, so it was still Carlsen who topped the combined standings.
Magnus Carlsen-Gukesh Dommaraju
SuperUnited Rapid, Zagreb 2025
1 c4 e5 2 Nc3 Bb4 3 Nf3 Bxc3 4 dxc3 d6 5 e4 Nd7 6 Bd3 Nc5 7 Bc2 Nf6 8 Qe2 a5 9 Nd2 g6 10 Nf1 Be6 11 Bg5 h6 12 Bh4 g5 13 Bg3 Qd7 14 f3 Nh5 15 Ne3 Nf4 16 Qd2 b5 17 Nd5 Bxd5 18 cxd5 Nh5 A strange decision from Gukesh, driving the bishop to a better diagonal. Ke8-f8-g7 would have been better played immediately. 19 Bf2 Kf8 20 g3 Kg7 21 Be3 Qe7 22 Rg1 Nf6 (see above). It is a common misconception that knights are better than bishops in closed positions. That is only valid when the knights enjoy strong outposts. Here, the pawn on g3 sidelines the Nh5, while the Nc5 can be evicted at any moment by b2-b4. Nevertheless, Carlsen's next move backfires, because he has not yet brought his king to safety. Had Carlsen played 22 O-O instead of 22 Rh1-g1, his approach with b2-b4 might well have been successful. 23 b4 axb4 24 cxb4 Na4 25 Bd3 c6! Battling for the initiative, even at the cost of a pawn. 26 dxc6 d5! Forcing more lines open, since after 27 Bxb5 d4! 28 Bf2 Nc3 29 Bd3 g4! White would soon start shedding pawns. 27 exd5 Nxd5 28 a3 Rhd8 29 Rc1 Rd6 30 Bxb5 Ndc3 31 Bc5 Nxb5 32 Bxd6 Nxd6 In this murky position, White's vulnerable king is still the most significant factor. 33 Kf2 Nb6 34 Qd3 Qe6 A subtle move, introducing ideas of Qe6-a2+ and Qe6-h3, as well as bringing a knight to c4 to attack a3. 35 Rc5 35 Rge1 was probably a better choice, restraining e5-e4 but ceding the c6 pawn. After 35…Ndc4 36 Rc3 Qxc6 37 Rec1 Rc8 the game is at an impasse. e4 36 Qd4+ Kg8 37 Rd1 exf3 38 Re5 Now the game is beyond saving. 38 Rc2 was essential, in order to meet Qe6-h3 with Kf2-g1. However, Black retains the upper hand with 38…Nbc4 Qh3 39 Kxf3 Nbc4 There is no good answer to the dual threats of Nxe5+ and Rxa3+. 40 Ra5 Nxa5 41 bxa5 Qf5+ 42 Kg2 Qc2+ 43 Kg1 Nf5 44 Qd7 Ne3 45 Rd2 Qc1+ 46 Kf2 Ng4+ 47 Ke2 Ne5 48 Qe7 Nxc6 49 Qe4 Rxa5 White resigns
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Two forgotten Rangers stars briefed Thelo Aasgaard on Ibrox life as Champions League 'dream' becomes reality
It's been a slow start for Aasgaard due to injury but he says he's fit and ready now to make his dreams come true They've done it so often already this season that Rangers fans might have turned the art of clutching at straws into an Olympic sport. It's been that kind of start to Russell Martin's tenure at Ibrox. Despite tentative progress in the Champions League, they've toiled in the Scottish Premiership. Under new gaffer Martin - with his own style of play - the punters are just desperate to cling on to something. Anything that offers a shred of optimism and positivity about where this team is actually going. And Thelo Aasgaard might just be that beacon of hope for them. The 23-year-old Scouser arrived from Luton Town in the summer as one of Martin's major signings. Not only did he shine in the English Championship after leaving Anfield as a kid - he's now a Norwegian international alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard. So there was expectation on his shoulders. But before he could get going, a pre-season thigh injury stopped him in his tracks - and left supporters praying that it wasn't serious. Aasgaard finally returned at the weekend. For fans, he's held up as a symbol of what Martin's side have been missing in the opening weeks of the campaign. Creativity, invention. Ball carrying, dribbling, taking people on. A goal threat from midfield. And the good news for them is that - ahead of their crucial Champions League play-off tie against Brugge - Aasgaard says he's ready to deliver. As he reflected on a delayed start to life at Ibrox, he said: 'It was a bit frustrating being injured but that just made me more hungry to get back. 'I was delighted to finally get on the pitch. 'Last season I was injury free. Coming in here, I had a couple of weeks with the squad which I really enjoyed but then felt a little niggle in a pre-season game which has kept me out for four weeks. 'Mentally, it was a bit tough at first. But I've had injuries before in my career so I know how to deal with it. 'I just want to get going now. All the excitement (from the fans), I had that inside me as well. 'It was nice to get a great reception from them when I came on at the weekend. 'Things like that will only encourage me to do the best I can for this club. 'I've tried to use it as fuel to get back quickly. 'I feel I can add something different to this team. I had a little cameo at the weekend. I wanted to score but I'd like to think I showed a little bit of what I can do. 'I want to be a physical presence in midfield as well as taking the ball. I want to get in the box as well. That's what the manager wants from me. 'When I signed, he'd done his research. That's my style of play and hopefully I can show that in a Rangers shirt. I feel fit and ready now.' Growing up in Merseyside as a Liverpool fan means Aasgaard is familiar with big European nights. He's barely old enough to remember ex-Rangers gaffer Steven Gerrard producing memorable moments on his way to lifting the Champions League. But he's felt how special the competition is. That's why it's been his ambition to play in it since he started kicking a ball. Now, he's determined to make the most of his opportunity at Rangers, as Martin's men attempt to see off the Belgians and reach the group phase. Aasgaard said: 'It's every player's dream to play in the Champions League from when they're small. 'And everyone here is really up for it. We've worked hard to get here and we know what we need to do. 'Champions League nights mean everything to me personally. 'To play in it is every kid's dream. So if I can contribute in a Rangers shirt on big European nights, it would be a dream come true. 'I wasn't at the Liverpool v Barcelona game a few years ago but that was obviously an unbelievable night for the club. 'Now, I'm at Rangers to write my own story here and I'm really focused on the game against Brugge. 'If I could feature in this play-off game, it would be right up there for me. 'I've been looking forward to nights like these at Ibrox. 'I had heard a fair bit about Ibrox before I came here. I had a few ex-team-mates who I'd spoken to about it. 'I played with Jordan Jones at Wigan then Kal Naismith - who was here as a young lad - at Luton. 'They had nothing but good words to say. So for it to become a reality now is amazing for me.' Rather than mope when he was on the sidelines, Aasgaard watched Martin's new-look side closely. Because of that, he's adamant that, with his attributes, he can make Rangers better. If he does, it might finally give these fans some joy - and end their straw clutching. Aasgaard said: 'We've had a few learning curves so far but some really strong games, especially in Europe where we've shown we can compete. 'We'll be hoping to do that again on Tuesday. 'I think the style here can help me thrive as a player. It was a big reason for me coming to play here under the manager. I want to use that to my advantage. 'A big part of my game is dribbling and taking people on. 'You have to be brave to take the ball in these European games and that's what I'm here to do. I can't wait to show the fans what I can do.'
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Crystal Palace's Conference League qualifier set to be shown for FREE after last-minute broadcasting deal struck
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CRYSTAL PALACE'S return to European competition for the first time in 27 years will be broadcast live on free-to-air television. The Eagles who last played in Europe during the 1998 Intertoto Cup, will face Norwegian side Fredrikstad in the first leg of their Conference League play-off this Thursday. 3 Selhurst Park will host a European game for the first time since 1998 Credit: Getty 3 Palace fans had wanted to play in the Europa League but it's the Europa Conference League they'll get 3 Fans can watch Oliver Glasner's side on Channel 5 this week The match will be available to watch on Channel 5. The i paper is reporting that the channel secured the rights to broadcast the game, which is not part of TNT's broader Uefa package, last week for what industry insiders describe as a 'low six-figure sum.' Channel 5 will also show the away leg, which is scheduled for the following Thursday at 5pm. This move is in line with Channel 5's broader strategy of acquiring sports rights on an opportunistic basis. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL NOT KEANE Roy Keane launches 'garlic bread' rant at awkward moment between Guehi & Glasner Earlier this year there were reports that Channel 5 had secured rights to broadcast weekly NFL games in the Sunday primetime slot throughout the upcoming season. This latest acquisition follows a summer in which Channel 5 covered the Club World Cup, broadcasting the majority of Chelsea and Manchester City's matches, as well as friendly games like Chelsea's victories over Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. While the restructured tournament in the US initially struggled to sell global TV rights, Channel 5 saw impressive viewership numbers after securing sublicensed coverage from DAZN, with surprise primetime viewing figures surpassing 2 million and average audiences of around 1.5 million. Channel 5's sports portfolio has received a boost since the merger between its parent company, Paramount, and content giant Skydance, a deal worth approximately £5.9 billion. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The new owners have made sports rights a major focus of their strategy, investing £5.7 billion in an eight-year UFC deal. David Ellison, CEO of the newly formed Paramount Skydance, emphasized their commitment to forging dynamic partnerships with top-tier sports leagues such as the NFL and UEFA. SunSport's Martin Lipton gives his verdict from Wembley as Crystal Palace beat Liverpool on penalties in Community Shield He said: "We're focused on increasing investment in premium, exclusive content. "Sports, in particular, are a powerful driver of audience engagement and loyalty." The decision to move for the Palace game is expected to further boost their numbers given the Eagles have recently won the FA Cup and beat Liverpool to the Community Shield last week. Palace also impressed again when they travelled to Chelsea at the weekend and held the Club World Cup Champions to a 0-0 draw in the Premier League.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Martin Odegaard immediately hits back at Arsenal icon after narrow Man Utd win
Martin Odegaard took no time at all to make his statement of intent after the Arsenal captain's credentials were questioned, letting his actions for the talking against Manchester United Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard gave the perfect response to Tony Adams' recent calls for him to be replaced as club captain. That's after the Norwegian enjoyed a performance fitting of the lead man in Arsenal's hard-fought 1-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday. The Gunners travelled to Old Trafford not long after club legend Adams suggested Arsenal are "not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain." The retired defender, who won four league titles with Arsenal and captained the team for 14 years, suggested the midfielder isn't the man to end the club's Premier League drought after three straight runner-up finishes. Speaking at a recent live recording of the Indo Sport podcast, Adams said: "I'm seeing Declan Rice as a captain, but I'm saying to Arteta, 'Come on, step up now. It's your time to be a winning manager and a fantastic manager, because you're not going to win the league with Odegaard as captain.'" Odegaard has since responded to those comments and given some insight as to how he looks to inspire his squad. However, he saved the most apt reply for Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, where he delivered a leader's display under massive pressure. The 26-year-old played a crucial role in getting Arsenal out of several scrapes and firing his side upfield in numerous quick transitions. He also made five clearances - only William Saliba (seven) made more among Arsenal players - and did a good job of calming matters when United looked like unnerving their guests. Manager Mikel Arteta has also come to his captain's defence after retaining Odegaard as skipper. He recently revealed the matter was decided by a club-wide vote, and there was a heavy consensus the former Real Madrid man was their pick to lead. "My opinion is clear, and it's not just my opinion - it's all the staff and especially the players," Arteta told reporters ahead of Arsenal's Premier League opener. "I asked them to vote [for] the captain, and I got the result yesterday. "By a mile away, by a big, big 100 miles, everybody was choosing the same person, Martin Odegaard, which is the most clear sign that you can have. It's how they feel about who has to be their captain to defend, improve and win the matches that we want to win, so there's no question about that. "There is [a vote] every year especially because we change [personnel] a lot, and we change the leadership groups, because a lot of the players that were there are now gone. So we need to re-establish that and because it gives you so much information, how they feel about themselves and how they see [the captain] as a leader. It was really interesting to analyse all the data and to gather information." Sunday's Premier League curtain-raiser is of course just the first step to Odegaard truly proving he's the man to take Arsenal to silverware. But victory away to one of the club's greatest nemeses on the opening weekend of the new season is no bad way to start. Speaking to Sky Sports prior to visiting Old Trafford, Odegaard was asked about Adams' criticism and delivered a typically mature response: "It's a lot to be fair. It's a lot of small things. It's hard to describe it, it's more like a constant role you do. "There's always these small things you have to do. In general it's just how I see it is to get the best out of the team and how to give the team the right mindset. Help the players around you, get the best mindset in everyone. "I think before the game just on the pitch I do a little one (team talk) and inside the dressing room we have different people talking. It's not just me there's a lot of people sharing the responsibility and the manager does a lot as well. It's a shared thing. It's not just me all the time." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
