Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“This was honestly such a roller coaster! I’m happy that I won, because it was not easy.

After I lost that game to Gukesh, anything could have happened. Even winning this last game was difficult. So, I’m glad that all the stars aligned. It’s a great honor and privilege to win this tournament.

This is my first time competing in a Rapid and Blitz Grand Chess Tour event, and the first time leading such a strong tour. I didn’t really have much experience as a leader. I was taking so many unnecessary risks in so many games — when, as a leader, I didn’t have to do that.

At some point, I had a five-point lead over Fabiano. It’s kind of the turtle and the rabbit. There is a saying: ‘The slow one wins the race’. So, I was the rabbit and Caruana just came out of nowhere. I’ve seen some pretty dangerous turtles here. Not to compare… But it was very impressive from Fabiano, he put a lot of pressure.”