Clutch Chess Legends 2025 G1-4: Kasparov scores the first win

by Shahid Ahmed - 09/10/2025

Garry Kasparov scored the first win on Day 1 at Clutch Chess Legends 2025. It was Vishy Anand who had the opportunity to win the first game. The second game was a relatively tame draw. The third game which was also the first 5'+3" Blitz, seemed to be heading towards a draw. However, it was not an easy one. The rook and many pawns' endgame was a complex one. Anand traded the rooks at an incorrect time, which resulted in his opponent having a decisive advantage. In the fourth game of the day, Anand got material in the game. However, he could not maintain his advantage and the game ended in a draw. Day 2 Game 1 starts today at 12 p.m. local time, 10:30 p.m. IST. Photos: Aditya Sur Roy

Starting position #635

The first two games of each day will be Rapid with a time control of 25 minutes + 10 seconds increment, the next two games will be played in Blitz time control of 5 minutes + 3 seconds increment.

Garry Kasparov scored the first win of the day in Game 2

Day 1: Anand - Kasparov: 1.5-2.5

In the first Rapid game, GM Vishy Anand got some chances in the end against GM Garry Kasparov.

Position after 43...Bh5?

Computer recommended 44.Qxe2 Bxe2 45.Rd4 to be winning for White. Even 44.Rc1 is also winning. 44...Nc5 45.Qxe2 Bxe2 46.Bf2 Ne4 47.Be3 d4 48.Re1 and the game ended in a draw after few moves.

The second game was a relatively tame draw.

Anand - Kasparov, Game 3

Position after 44...Rg6

In the first 5'+3" Blitz game, Anand made a mistake of trading the rooks in the above position 45.Rxg6?? Kxg6-+ the resultant pawn endgame is winning for Black. 46.hxg3 h3 47.g4 d4 Black's split passed pawns on d and h-files are much stronger than White's connected passed pawns on e, f and g-files. Instead, 45.hxg3 Rxg3+ 46.Ke2 Kxf4 47.Rxb7 Kxe5 would have kept the game going.

Vishy Anand vs Garry Kasparov, Game 3, Commentary by IM Sagar Shah | Video: ChessBase India

In the fourth game, Vishy Anand got a knight early in the game. However, he could not maintain his advantage and allowed his opponent to escape with a draw.

The Cofounders of the club, Dr. Jeanne Cairns and Rex Sinquefield cut the ribbon to open the newly renovated Saint Louis Chess Club in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA in presence of GM Maurice Ashley, GM Vishy Anand and GM Garry Kasparov