Experience prevails
The Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz, part of the Grand Chess Tour, came to a close with Levon Aronian taking first place in commanding fashion. The 42-year-old Armenian-born US grandmaster secured overall victory with two rounds still to play and eventually finished on 24½ points, ahead of Fabiano Caruana and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave. In a competition where the younger generation was well represented, including world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, it was the established names who occupied the podium.
Aronian went into the final day of blitz with a two-point lead and nine rounds to be played. From that position of strength, he did not simply defend his advantage but continued to play with composure and confidence. Rather than seeking complications or relying on calculation, he preferred calm, precise moves informed by decades of experience at the highest level.
Coming only a short time after his success at the Freestyle Chess event in Las Vegas, the win in Saint Louis added another important chapter to his long career.
Aronian 1-0 Shankland
Analysis by GM Karsten Müller
Levon Aronian with Anita Ayvazyan, his wife | Photo: Lennart Ootes
Fabiano Caruana, who had impressed during the rapid portion of the competition – a section that counted double in the overall standings – saw his chances for first place collapse during the blitz games. His play was marred by blunders and oversights, which he himself described afterwards as “catastrophic”. Caruana remained disappointed even with second place following his earlier strong display.
In contrast, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave produced steadier results. Although not quite able to challenge Aronian directly, he did enough to keep his position among the leaders, and by finishing third he strengthened his place in the overall Grand Chess Tour standings.
The tournament underlined the value of experience in the fast formats. While rapid and blitz are often thought to favour younger players with quick reflexes and powerful preparation, it was three veterans who took the top places in Missouri. Aronian’s combination of creative ideas, fine technique, and practical decision-making proved decisive, while Caruana and Vachier-Lagrave also showed that an understanding built over many years can often outweigh youthful energy.
Following a strong performance in Saint Louis, Maxime Vachier-Lagrave is already qualified to the Grand Chess Tour Finals in Brazil | Photo: Crystal Fuller
Fabiano Caruana was not satisfied with his blitz performance | Photo: Crystal Fuller
Gukesh ½-½ Oparin
Analysis by GM Karsten Müller
The Classical Sicilian has stood the test of time as one of the most principled and fighting defences against 1.e4. With its rich history spanning world championship matches and modern elite tournaments, this opening remains a favourite among players who seek a dynamic, counterattacking approach without venturing into extreme theoretical battles like the Najdorf or Sveshnikov.
Free video sample: Introduction
Free video sample: 6.h3
Gukesh Dommaraju | Photo: Crystal Fuller
Nodirbek Abdusattorov finished tied for first with Aronian in the blitz section – he finished fourth in the overall standings | Photo: Crystal Fuller
Gukesh managed to produce a better showing in blitz than he had in some of his recent tournaments, but his overall result was not enough to secure him a top finish. With the Grand Chess Tour Finals approaching, Gukesh now faces a clear task: he will almost certainly need to win the upcoming Sinquefield Cup in order to qualify for the event in São Paulo, scheduled to start on 28 September.
This adds particular weight to the next stage of the Tour, which begins after a short pause following five days of intense rapid and blitz play in Saint Louis.
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Final standings – Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz
WC = Wildcard
| Player | Rapid | Blitz | Total | Tour Points | Prize money | |
| 1 | Levon Aronian (USA) | 13 | 11½ | 24½ | 13 | $40,000 |
| 2 | Fabiano Caruana (USA) | 14 | 7½ | 21½ | 10 | $30,000 |
| 3 | Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (FRA) | 11 | 10 | 21 | 8 | $25,000 |
| 4 | Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) | 9 | 11½ | 20½ | 7 | $20,000 |
| 5 | Wesley So (USA) | 9 | 10 | 19 | 6 | $15,000 |
| T-6 | Lê Quang Liêm (VIE) | 7 | 11 | 18 | WC (4.5) | $10,500 |
| T-6 | Gukesh Dommaraju (IND) | 10 | 8 | 18 | 4.5 | $10,500 |
| 8 | Leinier Dominguez (USA) | 9 | 6½ | 15½ | WC (3) | $9,000 |
| 9 | Grigoriy Oparin (USA) | 3 | 10 | 13 | WC (2) | $8,000 |
| 10 | Sam Shankland (USA) | 5 | 4 | 9 | WC (1) | $7,000 |
