Indian Grandmaster and reigning world champion D Gukesh has advanced to the quarterfinals of the unique-format Freestyle Chess Grand Slam. He will face American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, who personally selected Gukesh as his opponent for the knockout stage. Gukesh secured his spot in the quarterfinals by finishing eighth among ten participants in the round-robin stage.
Round-Robin Stage Highlights
The round-robin stage, played under rapid chess rules, saw intense competition. Some key highlights include:
- Eliminations: Slovenia’s Vladimir Fedoseev and America’s Levon Aronian failed to qualify for the knockout rounds, finishing in the bottom two positions.
- Top Performer: France’s Alireza Firouzja claimed the top spot by defeating Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov in the final round.
- Strategic Opponent Selection: The top three players earned the right to choose their quarterfinal opponents.
Quarterfinal Matchups
| Player 1 | Player 2 |
|---|---|
| Alireza Firouzja (FRA) | Vincent Keymer (GER) |
| Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) | Hikaru Nakamura (USA) |
| Fabiano Caruana (USA) | D Gukesh (IND) |
| Magnus Carlsen (NOR) | Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) |
Unique Knockout Format
The knockout stage will feature a distinct format, shifting from rapid chess to classical chess with an innovative twist. Each match will consist of two classical games where the starting position of pieces will be randomized just before play begins. This variation, known as Chess 960, ensures that players rely purely on their chess skills rather than memorized opening strategies.
Key Features of Chess 960 Format
- 960 Possible Starting Positions: Unlike traditional chess, the arrangement of pieces at the start of the game changes each time.
- Focus on Pure Skill: Players cannot rely on pre-studied openings, making their ability to adapt more crucial.
- Tiebreakers: If the two games result in a tie, shorter time-controlled games will determine the winner.
Tournament Overview and Prize Structure
The Freestyle Chess Grand Slam is an elite competition featuring five major tournaments throughout the year.
Key Tournament Details
| Aspect | Details |
| Number of Announced Tournaments | 5 |
| Knockout Format | Chess 960 (Fischer Random) |
| Total Games per Knockout | 2 Classical Games |
| Tiebreaker System | Rapid & Blitz Playoffs |
| Bonus for Top 3 Finishers | Additional Prize Rewards |
This fresh and innovative format is expected to bring thrilling encounters and test the adaptability of the world’s best chess players. With Gukesh facing Caruana and other high-profile battles set, chess fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the quarterfinals to unfold.
