D. Gukesh defeated American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana in the ninth and final round of the Super Rapid and Blitz Tournament's rapid competition, finishing tied for fourth place. The Indian chess player had a mixed performance in the rapid section, but his win against Caruana helped him sustain a welcome return to form after struggling for the past few months.

Gukesh started the final day of the rapid section with a loss against French Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and then drew with Vladimir Fedoseev of Slovenia in the penultimate round.

Wild card American Hans Moke Niemann emerged as the surprise winner of the rapid section with 13 points, edging out compatriot Wesley So by a full point.

The blitz competition is set to begin, with Gukesh, Caruana, and Duda Jan-Krzystzof of Poland tied for fourth place on nine points apiece. The main battle is likely to be between these six players once the blitz competition begins, with Gukesh saying his strategy will be to play fast and pray. The tournament will continue with the blitz section, where Gukesh will look to improve his standing.