• Source:JND
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D Gukesh Defeats Magnus Carlsen: World Champion D. Gukesh has seized the sole lead at the Super United Rapid and Blitz chess tournament, following another impressive victory over world number one Magnus Carlsen. This highly anticipated win occurred late on Thursday, July 3, 2025, marking Gukesh's fifth consecutive triumph in the tournament, including his opening day victories.

With this latest win, Gukesh has accumulated 10 points out of a possible 12. As only three rounds remain in the rapid section of the tournament, Gukesh now enjoys a significant two-point lead over his closest rival, Duda Jan-Krzysztof of Poland. Wesley So of the United States holds sole third place with seven points, a full point clear of Carlsen, Anish Giri of Holland, and local Croatian hero Ivan Saric, who are all tied with six points.

The win is of larger significance for Gukesh as Carlsen had made a pointed remark when discussing the field in Croatia, referring to Gukesh as one of the "presumably weaker players".

R Praggnanandhaa shares the seventh spot on five points with American Fabiano Caruana, while Alireza Firouzja of France is in ninth spot on four points. Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan is 10th on just three points.

Carlsen has never minced his words and has been a critic of Gukesh in the faster version of the game.

The World number one had infamously banged the table after his previous loss to Gukesh in the Norway chess tournament. That was the Indian's first victory over the world number one in Classical chess.

The victory as black was sweet for Gukesh.

Carlsen enjoyed some optical advantage after his king pawn opening but the day belonged to Gukesh who found the perfect counter play.

At some point Carlsen had to part with two minor pieces for a rook and a couple of extra pawns that looked menacing.

However, Gukesh calmly exploited Carlsen's bad plan with the clock ticking away and the famous victory was scored after 49 moves.

Praggnanandhaa's search for an elusive victory continued as he played out three draws with Caruana, Carlsen and Giri. Praggnanandhaa will need some victories on the final day to make a comeback in the tournament.

Standings after round 6:

1. D Gukesh (Ind, 10); 2. Duda Jan-Krzysztof (Pol, 8); 3. Wesley So (Usa, 7); 4-6: Ivan Saric (Cro); Magnus Carlsen (Nor); Anish Giri (Ned) 6 each; 7-8; Fabiano Caruana (Usa); R Praggnanandhaa (Ind) 2 each. 9. Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 4); 10. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 3).