The 2022 SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz has come to an end. Following the players so closely, I got an opportunity to sense the energy among them, the pressure weighing on those at the top, and how each reacted to it when forced to carry it.
The day began like any normal day, Van Foreest and So were leading the pack, with Magnus close behind. Of course, Magnus had plenty of momentum from the day before, but it seemed every time he got close some setback would put him right back where he started.
The third and final day of the Rapid saw confusion at the top. Firouzja and So began to waver, while Van Foreest started the day off with a win over Topalov. It seemed he might run away with the Rapids, if not his round 8 and 9 pairings against Carlsen and Firouzja, respectively.
After a disruptive first day, given the nature of Magnus Carlsen’s announcement, we saw the players settle in and play more calmly. Some of them have found their stride, while others continue to search for it.
The third leg of the 2022 Grand Chess Tour kicked off July 19th in the city of Zagreb, Croatia. The event is being sponsored by SuperUnited under the patronage of the Croatian Government's Tourism and Sports Ministry. All in all, these efforts are responsible for the USD 175,000 prize fund.