Kasparov Questions Gukesh’s Blitz Performance
Garry Kasparov, a chess legend, recently commented on D Gukesh’s poor showing in the Blitz leg of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia event.
After dominating the Rapid section, Gukesh faltered in Blitz, prompting Kasparov to say, “Something is wrong.” His remarks have sparked discussions about the young world champion’s readiness for high-pressure formats.
Gukesh’s Croatia Performance
D Gukesh, the reigning Classical world champion, shone in the Rapid leg of the Croatia event, defeating Magnus Carlsen and clinching the title. However, his Blitz performance was lackluster. He struggled with consistency, losing key games, and finished third overall. Magnus Carlsen ultimately won the Blitz title. This contrast led to Kasparov’s critical assessment.
Kasparov’s Critique Explained
Kasparov, a former world champion, praised Gukesh’s Rapid success earlier, noting it challenged Carlsen’s dominance. Yet, he was blunt about Gukesh’s Blitz games, calling them “feeble” and “terrible.”
He believes Gukesh lacks the mental sharpness and adaptability needed for Blitz’s fast pace. Kasparov’s comments reflect his high expectations for the 18-year-old.
Why Gukesh Struggled in Blitz
Blitz chess demands quick thinking and precision under tight time controls. Gukesh’s aggressive style, effective in Rapid, seemed to falter in Blitz’s high-pressure environment.
Experts suggest his inexperience in handling rapid-fire decisions may have caused errors. Fatigue from the intense Rapid leg could also have played a role. His losses highlighted areas for improvement in faster formats.
Public Support for Gukesh
Despite Kasparov’s remarks, Gukesh enjoys widespread support. Fans admire his meteoric rise as the youngest world champion at 17. His victory over Carlsen in Rapid fueled national pride in India, where chess is booming. Many see his Blitz struggles as a learning curve, not a failure. Social media posts on X reflect optimism, with fans rallying behind his potential.
Kasparov’s Comments Kasparov’s critique comes from his legacy as a dominant player known for excelling in all formats. His blunt style often aims to push players to improve. While he acknowledges Gukesh’s talent, he likely wants to highlight the gap between Classical and Blitz mastery. The Croatia event, held in July 2025, underscored the challenges young players face in balancing multiple formats.
Gukesh’s supporters argue he’s still developing. His Classical world championship win proves his strategic depth. Blitz, though, requires a different skill set, which he can hone with experience. Coaches and fans believe his work ethic and talent will help him overcome setbacks. Kasparov’s comments, while harsh, are seen as constructive by some, urging Gukesh to refine his game.
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