Alireza Firouzja Dominates Day 4 of the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia, Eyes Victory on Final Day
Alireza Firouzja Dominates Day One of 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia, Eyes Title on Final Day
ZAGREB, Croatia — French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja has taken a commanding lead into the final day of the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia, boasting a three-point advantage over fellow GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. Firouzja’s stellar performance on the first day of blitz saw him score an impressive 8 out of 9, positioning him as the frontrunner for the title.
The excitement of Day Four culminated in a thrilling showdown as Firouzja, who began the day with a draw against Vachier-Lagrave, quickly regained momentum. After a minor setback, he won his next two matches, showcasing his tactical prowess and resilience. “Some games I took extreme risk… I went all-in,” Firouzja explained, reflecting on his high-stakes strategy that paid off handsomely.
In contrast, Indian prodigy Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, who started the day as co-leader, faced a dramatic downturn. After a promising start with a first-round victory, he suffered a shocking four-game losing streak, ultimately finishing the day 4.5 points behind Firouzja. His downfall included a painful blunder against Gukesh Dommaraju, which sealed his fate.
As the tournament enters its final day, Firouzja needs only a solid performance to secure victory. “A three-point lead is huge for a blitz player of Firouzja’s level,” noted chess analysts, emphasizing the significance of his current standing.
Day Five kicks off on Sunday, July 5, at 8 a.m. ET / 14:00 CEST / 5:30 p.m. IST, with the final nine rounds of blitz set to unfold. The stakes are high, and while Firouzja appears to be in the driver’s seat, Abdusattorov remains optimistic, stating, “With a little bit of help and a little bit of luck I can fight for first place tomorrow!”
The 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia, part of the Grand Chess Tour, has captivated audiences with its blend of rapid and blitz formats, showcasing the world’s elite chess talent. As the players prepare for the final rounds, all eyes will be on Firouzja to see if he can maintain his lead and claim the championship in Zagreb.