Garry Kasparov Outshines Vishy Anand in Clutch Chess Legends
The Clutch Chess: The Legends showdown at the Saint Louis Chess Club saw Garry Kasparov defeat Viswanathan Anand in a thrilling three-day Chess960 battle, ending October 10, 2025. Across 12 games—six rapid (25+10) and six blitz (5+3)—with points escalating daily (1, 2, then 3 per win), Kasparov’s precision secured victory and a share of the $144,000 prize pool.
Day 1 delivered cautious rapid draws before Kasparov pounced in blitz, exploiting Anand’s misstep for a 2.5-1.5 edge. Day 2 was decisive: Kasparov continued to ride the fortune, as Anand lost the first game with the black pieces on time from a plus position, while Kasparov portrayed clinical conversion in the first blitz game with white. Garry Kasparov claimed a commanding 8.5-3.5 lead after the blitz win. “Vishy gave me a gift,” Kasparov admitted.
Both the players went into Day 3 with everything on the table, as a win would now give 3 points. Anand needed a miracle sweep but managed only a +1 by winning both the blitz games and faltering in the second rapid game.
Kasparov clinched the match with the final score of 13-11, proving his mettle in the Fischer Random format of chess yet again. Anand, 55, fought gamely but couldn’t overcome early errors in his St. Louis return. The event, marking the club’s grand reopening, showcased the duo’s timeless brilliance, with Kasparov’s victory echoing their 1995 World Championship clash. Fans left buzzing, hoping for another chapter in this epic rivalry.
