Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa in Action at Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026: Indian Sports LIVE, July 2
The Indian chess duo of D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa made their debut at the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 tournament in Zagreb on July 2, marking a significant moment in their careers. The event, held at the Zagreb Exhibition Centre, featured a mix of rapid and blitz formats, with players from 34 countries competing for a prize pool of €150,000. Gukesh, the 17-year-old world junior champion, and Praggnanandhaa, 19, a rising star in the Indian chess scene, both entered the tournament as top seeds in their respective sections.
According to the official tournament website, Gukesh was seeded 12th in the open section, while Praggnanandhaa held the 15th seed in the under-20 category. Both players faced strong competition, including Grandmasters from Russia, China, and the United States. The tournament’s format, which combines 25-minute rapid games with 5-minute blitz matches, tests players’ speed and accuracy under pressure.
The first round saw Gukesh secure a win against GM Ivan Šarić of Croatia, while Praggnanandhaa drew with GM Ravi Harish of India. These results placed both Indians in the upper half of their respective standings after the opening day. “The conditions here are excellent, and the competition is fierce,” Gukesh said in a post-game interview. “I’m focusing on playing my best chess, regardless of the opponent.”
Praggnanandhaa, who has been steadily climbing the FIDE ratings, expressed similar sentiments. “Every game is a learning opportunity,” he noted. “The key is to stay calm and trust my preparation.” Both players are expected to face tougher challenges in the upcoming rounds, including matches against higher-ranked opponents.
The Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026, part of the Chess Federation of Croatia’s annual calendar, has drawn attention for its high-level competition and modern facilities. The tournament’s organizers emphasized its role in promoting chess among younger players, with a special focus on youth development. “This event is a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills on an international stage,” said tournament director Tomislav Kovačević.
For Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, the tournament represents a crucial step in their journey toward global recognition. Gukesh, who became the youngest ever World Chess Champion in 2023, is looking to巩固 his position among the world’s elite. Praggnanandhaa, meanwhile, aims to build on his recent successes, including a strong performance at the 2024 FIDE World Cup.
The next major checkpoint for both players is the second round, scheduled for July 3 at 10:00 AM local time (UTC+2). Their upcoming opponents include GM Alexey Dreev of Russia and GM Wei Yi of China, both of whom are known for their aggressive playing styles. The results of these matches could significantly impact their standings in the tournament.
As the competition progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa adapt to the fast-paced environment. Their performances could have broader implications for Indian chess, which has seen a surge in talent over the past decade. With the tournament’s final round set for July 5, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion.
For those interested in following the action, the tournament will be broadcast live on the official Chess Federation of Croatia website and through the Chess.com platform. Updates will also be posted on the players’ social media accounts, including Gukesh’s Twitter handle @DGukesh and Praggnanandhaa’s Instagram profile @praggnanandhaa.
As the chess world turns its attention to Zagreb, the performances of Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa will be a key storyline. Their ability to navigate the challenges of the Super Rapid & Blitz format could cement their reputations as future world champions. For now, the focus remains on the next round, where every move could shape the trajectory of their careers.
