Caruana Tops Aronian, Seizes Lead @ GCT: Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2025
Day two of the 2025 Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz is complete, and Fabiano Caruana has a full point lead after six rounds of play. He followed the previous day’s pattern with a draw and two wins, concluding by beating leader Levon Aronian to jump ahead and sit at 10 tournament points (5/6). Aronian had a tough day and sits at 8 points (4/6), tied with Wesley So in second.
Caruana-Aronian was level for 35 moves, but Black blundered on move 36.
With seconds on the clock, Aronian played 36. …b5??, to which White had 37. Rff7 Be6 38. Ra7, and Black resigned after a couple more moves as White’s forces collect to inflict unbearable damage. In the diagram, Black can survive the incursion with the surprising 36. …Rgg8!, to meet 37. Rff7 with 37. …Ref8 and trading one of the white rooks is a massive relief.
Day three begins at 12:10 p.m. Central time. Follow along on Lichess, or read more about the event on its official website.
Photo via Saint Louis Chess Club
