Magnus Carlsen is the winner of the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2023
Author: Maria Fragaki
GM Magnus Carlsen emerged as the clear winner of the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2023 with an overall score of 26/36. Carlsen took home $40,000, and 29 rating points to move closer to the current Blitz World No.1, GM Alireza Firouzja.
After a painful Day 2 in the SuperUnited Rapid Tournament, Magnus Carlsen shifted his mind to win most of the remaining games, finishing day 1 of the Blitz unbeatable with a 9/9 score. “That achievement feels sweeter than almost any tournament win because it’s something I’ve never done before and won’t do again.” Carlsen told GM Cristian Chirila at the post-tournament interview.
His absolute performance was broken by GM Alireza Firouzja on day 2, when the Blitz World No.1 beat Carlsen with the Black pieces in a very wild game!
Following Carlsen were GM Ian Nepomniachtchi who picked up $30,000 for second, and GM Alireza Firouzja who achieved a 13/18 score, and earned $25,000 for third place.
There are two remaining tournament to complete the Grand Chess Tour, the Saint Louis Rapid and Blitz, and the Sinquefield Cup, with Fabiano Caruana leading the overall tour standings board with 20 points. Despite winning both the events he was invited to, Magnus Carlsen is ineligible to win the tour as he’s a wildcard!
