Magnus Carlsen Defeats Gukesh in Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour: 18-Year-Old Indian Qualifies for Knockout Stage

In a surprising turn of events, the 18-year-old reigning classical world champion, D Gukesh, did not win a single game in nine rounds of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour in Weissenhaus, Germany. Despite this, he managed to sneak into the top eight and qualify for the knockout stage.

Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian world No.1, defeated Gukesh in Round 9 in their first meeting since the Indian teenager claimed the classical world champion title in December. Carlsen secured a win in what seemed to be an equal endgame with the Black pieces.

Chess 960, also known as Fischer Random chess, randomizes the starting position of the pieces on the back rank, reducing the reliance on opening theory. Gukesh, playing with the White pieces, faced off against Carlsen in a position chosen at random for Round 9.

Despite his lack of wins in the rapid format round robin stage, Gukesh secured a spot in the top eight thanks to other players securing the bottom two spots. The knockout stage will now be played in the classical time control format.

Alireza Firouzja topped the standings after the rapid rounds, while Gukesh finished at the bottom of the qualified players in eighth place. The young Indian chess prodigy will now have a chance to prove himself in the upcoming knockout stage.