Just like on the first day, Gukesh was also fortunate to not have more losses to his name. He should've lost the sixth-round match against Fabiano Caruana, too, with the American gaining complete control during the endgame and having a completely winning position, only for one blunder to allow Gukesh to escape with a series of checks.

The 18-year-old reigning classical world champion didn’t win a single game in nine rounds but still managed to sneak into the top eight and qualify for the knockout stage

World champion D Gukesh made a steady start at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, adapting to the unique format amid rising tensions between FIDE and organisers, while Magnus Carlsen and other top players experience mixed fortunes.

D Gukesh drew four and lost one of his five games on the opening day of the Freestyle Chess Grand Tour in Weissenhauss, Germany

Magnus Carlsen questioned the validity of classical chess as a measure of skill, favoring rapid chess. Gukesh acknowledged the quality of their championship match, while Carlsen ruled out a title clash.

Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 Weissenhaus LIVE Updates: After four draws and a loss on the opening day at Weissenhaus, D Gukesh faces joint-leader Fabiano Caruana in his . Follow our live blog for more updates.

A brainchild of World’s number one Magnus Carlsen and German entrepreneur Jan Henric Buettner, the freestyle chess event marks the beginning of what could be a permanent fixture for professional chess players despite a showdown with FIDE,

This isn't just another chess tournament though, with a public spat between Carlsen and the promoters of the FCGT with FIDE in the build-up to the tournament.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER On Friday, Magnus Carlsen begins his quest to grow the popularity of an alternative chess variant and win the tournament itself.