Alireza Firouzja Makes History by Denying Hikaru Nakamura in Speed Chess Championship Semifinal

GM Alireza Firouzja Makes History by Denying Hikaru Nakamura a Spot in Speed Chess Championship Final

In a stunning turn of events, GM Alireza Firouzja has become the first player ever to deny GM Hikaru Nakamura a spot in the Speed Chess Championship Final. Firouzja secured a one-sided victory with a score of 16-11, defeating the five-time champion who had previously only lost to GM Magnus Carlsen.

The World number-one Carlsen also showcased his dominance by defeating GM Hans Niemann with a score of 17.5-12.5 to secure his spot in the Final. Despite an equal score in the 3+1 portion, Carlsen managed to rack up a 10-point lead in the bullet portion to clinch the victory.

The consolation match between Nakamura and Niemann is set to take place on Saturday, September 7, while the highly anticipated title match between Firouzja and Carlsen will be held on Sunday.

The Speed Chess Championship, Chess.com’s most prestigious speed chess event, features some of the biggest names in the chess world competing to determine the best speed chess player. The event started with qualifiers in June and will conclude with the Final on September 8 in Paris, with a prize fund of $173,000.

GM Dejan Bojkov’s analysis of the Game of the Day will be added soon, adding further insight into the intense matchups and strategic gameplay witnessed throughout the championship. Stay tuned for more updates on this historic event.