World Chess Champion D Gukesh showcased his class and composure on the opening day of the &lsquo;Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown&rsquo; in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, a short rapid chess event featuring the world&rsquo;s top four players: Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and Gukesh himself.
Despite a slow start against Carlsen, Gukesh rebounded impressively, defeating Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana in consecutive rounds to end Day 1 as the tournament leader with 4 out of 6 points.
Gukesh&rsquo;s win against Nakamura was particularly satisfying after the latter&rsquo;s controversial celebration earlier this month. In the exhibition event &lsquo;Checkmate: USA vs India&rsquo;, Nakamura had defeated Gukesh, tossed his king piece into the crowd, and celebrated mockingly. Gukesh chose not to respond then but he answered decisively on the board this week.
In the opening round, Gukesh went down 0.5&ndash;1.5 to Carlsen. But he struck back, beating rapid chess specialist Nakamura 1.5&ndash;0.5, followed by a 2&ndash;0 sweep of Caruana. Unlike his rival, the 18-year-old champion maintained his trademark calm, showing quiet confidence instead of flashy celebration.
Nakamura later defended his earlier actions, calling them &ldquo;purely for entertainment&rdquo; and insisting they weren&rsquo;t meant as an insult. Gukesh, true to his composed demeanour, chose not to comment, letting his performance do the talking.

World Champion D Gukesh silences critics with strong wins over Nakamura and Caruana

Gukesh Shines at Clutch Chess Showdown

World Champion D Gukesh silences critics with strong wins over Nakamura and Caruana

October 28, 2025 | 14:56 IST