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Gukesh Edges Anand in Decisive Blitz to Secure GCL Third for Alaskan Knights

The world champion called facing his idol “like playing against God,” saying he needed to summon a killer instinct.

Overview

  • His final blitz win over Viswanathan Anand sealed third place for the Alaskan Knights in Global Chess League Season 3 at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House.
  • Their GCL encounters progressed from a loss and a draw in the group stage to a rapid loss, a blitz draw, and then Gukesh’s clinching blitz victory in the playoff.
  • Gukesh said he had at least three winning positions earlier but hesitated as Anand played very fast in the shorter formats.
  • Arjun Erigaisi’s strong board-two results against Vincent Keymer were pivotal in keeping the third-place match level for the Knights.
  • Gukesh is slated to compete next at the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha after an uneven run through 2025.