World Champion D Gukesh wins the Rapid title of the Grand Chess Tour at Croatia
The rapid title was won by reigning world champion D. Gukesh at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 Rapid & Blitz in Zagreb, Croatia.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) July 5: In Zagreb, Croatia on Friday, reigning world champion D. Gukesh displayed his growing status on the international scene by winning the rapid title at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament, which is part of the 2025 Grand Chess Tour. The 19-year-old displayed confidence, tactical accuracy and impressive form.
His campaign got off to a rough start when he lost to Jan-Krzysztof Duda in the first round. However, that only led to an incredible change. In response, Gukesh won five straight, including a decisive victory over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 4, strengthening his position on top of the leaderboard.
He finished the rapid section with a decisive victory over American Wesley So in the final round. His wonderful 36-move performance turned a material advantage into two full points by taking advantage of a tactical blunder. After six victories, two draws, and one defeat, it was a fitting conclusion to the run.
With 14 points, Gukesh topped the chart on Friday. Jan-Krzysztof Duda came second with 11 points and Magnus Carlsen came third with 10 points.
No. 1 in the world Magnus Carlsen had a promising start to the last day after defeating Fabiano Caruana in his first match. However, his hopes of reducing the shortfall were dashed by a subsequent draw with Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and he also drew with Anish Giri in the day's last match.
Carlsen started the third day with a win, but he was only able to draw twice, keeping him just behind the leaders. Fabiano Caruana and R Praggnanandhaa are tied for fourth place with nine points each. Wesley So, Anish Giri and Alireza Firouzja are all tied with eight points apiece.
The other Indian on the field, R. Praggnanandhaa, had a more restrained appearance. He finished with nine points after drawing seven of his nine games and winning one against Aric. The 18-year-old won the Bucharest leg and finished third in Warsaw, so even though he is not as impressive in Zagreb, he is still a serious contender in the overall rankings.
Saturday marks the start of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz's blitz round, which will end on July 6. The overall winner will be determined by adding the points from the two formats.
Aadrika Tayal
