Alireza Firouzja Triumphs in Thrilling Armageddon to Win 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia

Alireza Firouzja Triumphs in Thrilling Armageddon at 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia

ZAGREB, Croatia — In a dramatic conclusion that had chess fans on the edge of their seats, Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja clinched victory at the 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia, overcoming GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov in a nail-biting armageddon match. This thrilling finale was a testament to Firouzja’s resilience, especially after a tumultuous second day that saw him struggle with just 2 out of 7 points.

Starting the day with a commanding three-point lead, Firouzja faced unexpected challenges, including a critical moment against GM Gukesh Dommaraju. In a match that seemed lost, Firouzja managed to turn the tide, securing a win that ultimately allowed him to avoid a must-win situation against Abdusattorov in the final round. Their match ended in a draw, leading to two tense tiebreak games, both of which also concluded without a victor.

The title was ultimately decided in the armageddon game, where Abdusattorov, despite having a significant time advantage, faltered and missed a winning opportunity. As the increment kicked in after move 60, Firouzja capitalized on the situation, solidifying his position and claiming the championship with a draw, this time playing with the black pieces.

With a final score of 23.5 points, Firouzja tied for first place with Abdusattorov, but emerged victorious in the tiebreak. GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu secured third place, catching up with GM Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.

The tournament, part of the Grand Chess Tour, showcased intense competition among ten elite players, all vying for a coveted spot in the GCT Finals. Firouzja’s performance has positioned him as a strong contender, although he has played one more event than rivals Fabiano Caruana, Vincent Keymer, and Wesley So.

In a post-tournament interview, Firouzja highlighted his pivotal win against Gukesh as the game of the day, a remarkable comeback from a seemingly hopeless position. Chess enthusiasts can look forward to detailed annotations of this game by GM Dejan Bojkov.

As the chess world reflects on this electrifying event, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the final day in Croatia. The 2026 Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia, held from July 1-5 at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb, featured a rapid round-robin format followed by a blitz double round-robin, captivating audiences with its high-stakes drama.

For those eager to relive the excitement, replays of the matches are available online.

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