Skip to content 
Day 2 of SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2025: Gukesh Stuns Carlsen Again
World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju has done it again! He defeated world number-one Magnus Carlsen for the second time — and this time, from a losing position. Gukesh now leads the day 2 of 2025 SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz tournament after five consecutive wins. He is two points ahead of second-place GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda.
Chess legend Garry Kasparov reacted strongly:
“Now we can question Magnus’ domination.”
Day 2 Drama: Gukesh On Fire, Carlsen Shaky
Gukesh started day two with a clean win over GM Nodirbek Abdusattorov. His opponent grabbed a risky pawn, and Gukesh used that chance to trap the king in the center. It was his third straight win.
In the next round, Gukesh faced GM Fabiano Caruana. He was in trouble early, but Caruana hesitated and lost his chance. Gukesh capitalized and scored his fourth win in a row.
Meanwhile, Carlsen had two rough draws. Against GM Alireza Firouzja, Carlsen was better but made mistakes under time pressure. Firouzja missed several winning chances, and the game ended in a draw.
Next, Carlsen drew a long and tricky game against GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. He sacrificed a pawn, but couldn’t convert and had to settle for another draw.
Clash Of Titans: Gukesh vs. Carlsen
All eyes were on the round six showdown: Carlsen vs. Gukesh. Carlsen needed a win to catch up. He had the white pieces and a great start.
Gukesh admitted he messed up the opening and was nearly lost by move 19. But the young champion didn’t give up. He stayed calm, found chances, and turned the game around.
A few careless moves from Carlsen — especially 23.b4? — opened the door. Gukesh saw the opportunity with 25…c6! and took control. From that point, he slowly outplayed Carlsen.
Kasparov summed it up:
“You don’t play b4. Period!”
Carlsen realized he had chances to draw, but pushed too hard and lost. Gukesh’s fifth straight win left Carlsen stunned.
Gukesh’s Interview:
Is Carlsen’s Era Ending?
After the game, Kasparov said:
“Now we can question Magnus’ domination. It was a very convincing loss.”
Carlsen didn’t make excuses. He praised Gukesh:
“All credit to Gukesh. He’s playing well and taking his chances.”
Carlsen also added:
“Honestly, I’m not enjoying playing chess at all right now.”
A Generational Shift?
Indian GM Srinath Narayanan called this a generational shift in chess. He praised Gukesh’s ability to adapt and stay focused under pressure.
There are still three rapid rounds and 18 blitz rounds left. Carlsen is four points behind, but anything can happen.
Other players like Duda and Wesley So are also in the race. So nearly beat Duda in round six, but Duda escaped with a draw to hold second place.
What’s Next?
Can Gukesh keep up this stunning form?
Will Carlsen bounce back in the blitz games?
We’ll find out soon — two more Gukesh vs Carlsen games are coming up in blitz!
How To Watch?
Catch all the action live on the Saint Louis Chess Club YouTube channel. Follow the games and standings on the Grand Chess Tour Events Page.
The 2025 SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz runs from July 2–6 in Zagreb, Croatia. The format includes 9 rapid games and 18 blitz games among 10 elite players.
Stay tuned for more thrilling chess!
Photos: Lennart Ootes/Grand Chess Tour
Source: CHESS.com
