GCT 2025, Zagreb: Gukesh in four-way lead with Carlsen, So and Duda after opening day

Reigning world champion D Gukesh finished the opening day of Zagreb leg of the Grand Chess Tour Rapid 2025 in joint lead.

Gukesh shares the lead with Magnus Carlsen, Wesely So and Jan-Krzysztof Duda, with all four players at four points after three rounds on Wednesday.

The Indian Grand Master started on the wrong foot, losing to Poland’s Duda in the opening round. Gukesh bounced back in style by trouncing Alireza Firouzja and R Praggnanandhaa in the subsequent rounds to make ground.

World No. 1 Carlsen tallied two draws and a win for his four points, with the victory coming against So in the second round.

Carlsen and Gukesh will face-off on Thursday in a sixth-round encounter. This will be their first match-up after their iconic game at the Norway Chess tournament, where the Indian player claimed a stunning win.