Hans Niemann Triumphs in Grand Chess Tour as D Gukesh Finishes Sixth
Niemann Claims Victory in Super Rapid and Blitz
World champion D Gukesh secured a sixth-place finish in the recent Super Rapid and Blitz event, part of the Grand Chess Tour, while Hans Moke Niemann from the United States maintained his composure to emerge victorious.
Gukesh concluded the tournament with a total of 17 points from 36 possible, which included 9 rapid and 18 blitz games. He earned nine points in rapid games and eight in blitz, with rapid victories counting for two points each and blitz for one.
Things could have taken a turn for the worse, but Gukesh managed to clinch a win in the final round against Poland's Duda Jan-Kryzstzof, allowing him to finish in the middle of the standings.
It’s worth noting that Gukesh had opted out of the main events of the Grand Chess Tour this year, participating only in the rapid and blitz formats. The youngest world champion is also set to face Javokhir Sindarov from the United States later this year, in addition to competing in the Norway chess tournament.
On the last day, Gukesh achieved three victories against Wesley So, Niemann, and Duda. However, his most significant loss came against Sindarov, who triumphed in their personal matchup with a 2-1 score across three games.
In contrast, Hans Niemann displayed remarkable resilience, winning his last two rounds to finish with 22.5 points, securing both the trophy and a cash prize of $50,000.
In the final round, Niemann defeated Poland's Radoslav Wojtaszek.
Fabiano Caruana from the United States took second place with 22 points, while Wesley So followed closely with 21 points. Slovenia's Vladimir Fedoseev finished fourth with 18 points, and France's Firouzja Alireza was fifth with 17.5 points, just ahead of Gukesh.
The Grand Chess Tour now heads to Bucharest, Romania, for the Super Classic, where R Praggnanandhaa will be the sole Indian participant.
Final Standings
- Hans Moke Niemann (USA, 22.5); 2. Fabiano Caruana (USA, 22); 3. Wesley So (USA, 21); 4. Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO, 18); 5. Firouzja Alireza (FRA, 17.5); 6. D Gukesh (IND, 17); 7-9. Duda Jan-Krzystzof (POL), Javokhir Sindarov (UZB), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FRA) 16.5 each; 10. Radoslav Wojtaszek (POL, 12.5).