Clutch Chess Legends 2025 (Games 1–4): Kasparov Takes the First Win
Garry Kasparov claimed the first win of Day 1 at Clutch Chess Legends 2025. Vishy Anand actually had the chance to win the opening game, but he missed the opportunity.
The second game ended in a calm and uneventful draw.
Game 3 was the first Blitz game of the day with a 5+3 time control. It looked like it was heading for a draw, but the endgame was tricky. The rook and pawn position was complex, and Anand exchanged rooks at the wrong moment. That mistake gave Kasparov a decisive advantage.
In Game 4, Anand won material early. However, he couldn’t hold the edge, and the game ended in another draw.
Day 2 Game 1 begins today at 12 p.m. local time (10:30 p.m. IST).
Time Controls
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The first two games each day are Rapid: 25 minutes + 10-second increment.
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The next two games are Blitz: 5 minutes + 3-second increment.
Day 1 Score: Anand vs Kasparov — 1.5 : 2.5
Game 1 (Rapid)
Anand got winning chances in the endgame against Kasparov. In the final position after 43…Bh5?
the computer suggested 44.Qxe2 followed by Rd4 for a winning line. Even 44.Rc1 would have secured the advantage, but the game ended in a draw after a few moves.
Game 2
The second game was a quiet draw with no major drama.
Game 3 (Blitz)
In the first Blitz game, the key moment came after 44…Rg6. Anand mistakenly traded rooks with 45.Rxg6??, allowing Kxg6.
The resulting pawn ending was lost for White. Kasparov’s split passed pawns on the d- and h-files were stronger than Anand’s connected pawns on e, f, and g. A better try was 45.hxg3 Rxg3+ 46.Ke2, which could have kept the game alive.
Game 4
Anand won a knight early in the game, but couldn’t convert the advantage. Kasparov defended accurately and held a draw.
Photos: Aditya Sur Roy
Source: CHESS BASE.in
