Duda is the 2022 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland King

The Polish GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda won the 2022 Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland half a point ahead of Vishy Anand and Levon Aronian. But Duda was not the only “winner” as Fabiano Caruana (+10) and Levon Aronian (+9) climbed the blitz rating list after their remarkable performance, surpassing Carlsen who is now downgraded to 4th place!

The former World Champion Vishy Anand had a stunning performance in the rapid chess but unfortunately faded in blitz. Nevertheless, the 52-year-old GM still tied for first after losing his last two games against Duda.

“I was very focused against Vishy, I thought it was very important to win against him because he was the leader at the time, and also I hadn’t managed to beat him in this game in my life!” Duda commented after his triumph.

Even after his two consecutive losses though, the Indian GM was very close. In the final round, Duda and Aronian were co-leaders with 23 points, while Anand and Caruana had 22.5. Vishy beat Wojtaszek, while Aronian-Caruana ended in a draw. Duda needed this last round point but he found himself in a losing position against Kirill Shevchenko.

“The last game was kind of funny. It was a very nervous game, of course, but it was fun, and I’m very satisfied with my play overall.” Duda said about his last game, which ended in his favor after a brilliant bounce back!