Gukesh’s Mixed Feelings After Strong Performances at Super Rapid and Blitz Poland Tournament

D Gukesh Shines Amidst Challenges at Super Rapid and Blitz Poland Tournament

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, reigning world chess champion D Gukesh finished joint-fourth at the Super Rapid and Blitz Poland Tournament, showcasing his prowess with notable victories over formidable opponents. The 20-year-old Indian grandmaster secured wins against FIDE Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov and chess heavyweight Fabiano Caruana, signaling a potential resurgence after a disappointing 2025.

Despite these impressive victories, Gukesh expressed dissatisfaction with his overall performance in the tournament, which marked the beginning of this year’s Global Chess Tour. With a score of 9/9, he found himself four points behind the tournament winner, Hans Niemann, leaving him with a sense of unfulfilled potential.

A Mixed Bag of Results

Reflecting on his performance, Gukesh acknowledged the inconsistency that plagued his rapid games. “Overall, I was playing well, but I missed a few chances. There were also games where I was in trouble and managed to save it. The tournament could have been better,” he stated during an interview with the Saint Louis Chess Club.

His victory over Sindarov was particularly significant, as the Uzbek grandmaster is set to challenge Gukesh later this year for the world title. This win, along with his triumph over Caruana, provided a much-needed boost to his confidence, despite the mixed results.

The Road Ahead

As the tournament progresses, Gukesh is gearing up for the blitz portion scheduled for May 8 and 9, where players will compete in a total of 18 rounds. “In blitz, all you have to do is play fast and pray. That’s going to be my strategy,” he quipped, highlighting the fast-paced nature of the format.

With the blitz games yet to unfold, Gukesh remains hopeful that he can find his rhythm and capitalize on his recent successes. “Rapid and blitz are about rhythm! If you find it, you can crush opponents,” he added, emphasizing the importance of momentum in these formats.

As the chess world watches closely, Gukesh’s journey through the Super Rapid and Blitz Poland Tournament serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with competitive play. With his sights set on improvement, fans can expect to see more from this young champion as he navigates the challenges ahead.

First Published: May 08, 2026, 14:12 IST