Carlsen takes lead at GCT 2025 Zagreb; Gukesh struggles in blitz after topping rapid section

Reigning world champion D. Gukesh struggled on day four of the Grand Chess Tour 2025 Rapid & Blitz, taking place in Zagreb, Croatia, on Saturday.

After finishing on top after the rapid section and storming to a three-point lead, the 19-year-old was unable to get going in the first nine blitz rounds.

Of the nine games, Gukesh lost the first five on the trot, including to current tournament leader Magnus Carlsen, before managing to secure a draw against Anish Giri. His first win came against Fabiano Caruana in the eighth round.

With one win, one draw, seven losses and collecting only 1.5 points, Gukesh slumped to third with a total of 15.5 points.

Meanwhile, Carlsen, who finished third after the rapid, secured six wins and three draws, to top the table with 17.5 points. Jan-Krzysztof Duda held on to second place with 16 points.

Another Indian in the fray, R. Praggnanandhaa, was joint-fourth heading into the blitz rounds — he won two games, drew five and lost two, finishing with 3.5 points for the day and 13.5 overall to secure fifth.

The final day of the blitz section will take place on Sunday, July 6. The player with the most points combined at the end of the final day will win the overall title.