19‑year‑old D. Gukesh delivered a masterful performance in Zagreb, defeating former World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen for the second time in as many encounters. With the clock against him, Carlsen’s 30th‑move queen exchange miscalculation and a loose rook on move 35 proved fatal, allowing Gukesh to exploit the weaknesses and force Carlsen’s resignation after 49 moves.

This victory marked Gukesh's fifth consecutive win in the rapid section and vaulted him into the sole lead with 10 points after Day 2. The win holds deeper significance: Carlsen had dismissed Gukesh as a "presumably weaker player," comments that backfired dramatically as Gukesh’s composure under pressure earned praise from luminaries like Garry Kasparov. Carlsen admitted his form was "really poor in time pressure" and conceded "all credit to Gukesh," further acknowledging he wasn’t enjoying chess at the moment.

Gukesh’s win confirms he’s more than a rising star - it's a defining moment for a generational shift in elite chess. As the rapid rounds wrap up and blitz begins, all eyes will turn to whether Gukesh can sustain this momentum against the world’s best.