Magnus Carlsen Doubts Gukesh's Skills in Fast Formats — Teen World Champion Responds with Joint Lead on Day 1

 Magnus Carlsen Doubts Gukesh's Skills in Fast Formats — Teen World Champion Responds with Joint Lead on Day 1

Magnus Carlsen didn’t hold back ahead of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2025, casting doubt on world champion D Gukesh’s ability to compete in rapid and blitz formats. “He hasn’t really shown anything that suggests he’ll do well in this kind of tournament,” Carlsen remarked in a pre-event interview.

But on Day 1, Gukesh let his moves do the talking.

The 18-year-old Indian star, who made history by becoming the youngest classical world champion earlier this year, came out firing in Zagreb, finishing the day as joint leader in the 10-player field — alongside none other than Carlsen himself.

In a show of confidence and sharp form, Gukesh scored two important wins. First, he took down Alireza Firouzja — the very player Carlsen had named as a top contender. He then followed it up with a win against fellow Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, who has been on a roll this year with three titles under his belt.

The tournament marks the first time Gukesh and Carlsen are facing off since the heated Norway Chess clash earlier this year, where Gukesh handed the former world champion his first-ever classical loss to an Indian — a game that ended with Carlsen smashing a table in frustration after losing a near-winning position.

While Gukesh’s strengths have traditionally been in the classical format, his performance on Day 1 may have sent a strong message: he’s not just here to defend his world title — he’s here to challenge the old guard across formats.

The tournament continues through the week, with rapid and blitz games pushing players to their limits — both on the clock and on the board.