Overview

• Jan-Krzysztof Duda recovered from a Game 1 loss to win five straight games and seal a 5-1 victory over reigning world champion D Gukesh in the six-game exhibition blitz in Katowice.
• Duda’s aggressive opening preparation and tactical speed unsettled Gukesh in key middlegame moments, leading to critical errors.
• Despite excelling in classical formats as the youngest undisputed world champion, Gukesh has shown inconsistent results in rapid and blitz events.
• His recent SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia performance saw him leading after the rapid stage but slipping to third once blitz began, underscoring format-specific challenges.
• He will compete in the Saint Louis event starting August 11, where strong blitz form will be crucial for his championship prospects.