Caruana the Frontrunner into the Blitz @ GCT: Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz 2025
Fabiano Caruana holds a one-point lead at the conclusion of the Rapid at the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, with 14/18 (a traditional 7/9) to Levon Aronian’s 13/18 (6.5/9). Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Gukesh D are the closest trailers, at 11 and 10 points. There are two days remaining in the event, each containing a blitz round robin among the 10 players, so with each game counting for a single point, compared to two points for each rapid game, there are another 18 points available to every player.
Round 9 featured a massive turn of events, as Caruana had a huge advantage against Gukesh but lost his way trying to build up an attack. A couple more mistakes later, Gukesh was winning, and he indeed converted a lengthy win, with rook, bishop, and two pawns advancing unstoppably against Caruana’s two rooks. The result holds Caruana’s lead to one point and tightens the leaderboard, while pushing Gukesh in range himself.
The blitz begins Thursday at 12:05 p.m. Central time. Follow along on Lichess, or read more about the event on its official website.
Photo via Saint Louis Chess Club
