Thrilling Showdown at 3 0 Thursday: Champions Crowned Without Tiebreaks!
Three Champions Emerge Unscathed in Thrilling 3 0 Thursday Tournaments
July 2, 2026 – In a stunning display of skill and strategy, three chess titans emerged victorious in the latest installment of the 3 0 Thursday tournaments, held on July 2. Grandmasters Denis Lazavik, Volodar Murzin, and International Master Yoseph Taher each claimed their titles outright, leaving no need for tiebreaks.
Lazavik Dominates the First Tournament
The day kicked off with the first tournament, traditionally the most competitive, featuring heavyweights like Magnus Carlsen and Jan-Krzysztof Duda. Carlsen, who started with an impressive 8/8, faced a shocking defeat at the hands of Lazavik in the ninth round. Despite an earlier loss to Azerbaijani FM Tunar Davudov, Lazavik rallied to finish with a remarkable score of 10/11.
With Carlsen eliminated from contention after a loss to GM Pranav Venkatesh, Lazavik only needed a draw in his final match to secure the title. However, the 19-year-old opted for a decisive victory, showcasing his determination and skill. Indian prodigy and WIM Kalyani Sirin also made headlines, claiming the women’s prize with a solid score of 6.5/11.
Murzin’s Comeback in the Second Tournament
The second tournament saw Murzin, the reigning 2024 FIDE World Rapid Champion, initially dominate with five consecutive wins. However, his lead was challenged by Duda, who took over after defeating Murzin in the sixth round. Duda’s momentum was short-lived, as he stumbled in subsequent rounds, allowing Murzin to capitalize on the opportunity.
In a thrilling final round, Murzin secured a victory over FM Havard Haug, finishing half a point ahead of Duda and IM Faustino Oro. Haug’s performance was commendable, as he was the only FM to make it into the top 10, while WIM Melika Mohammadi continued her impressive run, finishing 19th and claiming another top women’s player prize.
Taher’s Triumph in the Third Tournament
The third tournament featured a dramatic showdown between Murzin and Taher, with Murzin initially taking the upper hand. However, Taher quickly rebounded, embarking on a six-game winning streak that culminated in a decisive victory over GM Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son.
As the tournament progressed, Murzin found himself in a precarious position after a loss to GM Renato Terry. In a twist of fate, while Murzin struggled in the final round, Taher surged ahead, defeating FM Oleksandr Yurovskykh to clinch the title. WFM Hoang Minh Tho Do was recognized as the top women’s player in this tournament, rounding out a day filled with exceptional chess.
A Day of Unforgettable Chess
The 3 0 Thursday tournaments continue to showcase the incredible talent within the chess community, with three different champions emerging in a single day. These weekly events, held every Thursday at 11 a.m., 4 p.m., and 9 p.m. ET, promise to deliver more thrilling matches and fierce competition in the weeks to come.
As the chess world watches, the question remains: who will rise to the challenge in the next round of 3 0 Thursday?