American GM Hans Moke Niemann commented on his performance in the Blitz part of the GCT Super Rapid & Blitz Poland 2026. Niemann notes the difficulties in the first rounds, describes his three consecutive losses, and says he took unnecessary risks.

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

American GM

“My performance today… Obviously a tough start.

After that, I recovered really well, but then losing three games in a row… It was a bit unnecessary. I just have to return to my normal level tomorrow.

I think I was a bit too ambitious in some games and took an unnecessary risk. But I’m still leading, which is nice. I have to thank Wesley for matching my losses.”

Grand Chess Tour Super Rapid & Blitz Poland 2026 takes place in Warsaw from May 5 to 10. American GM Hans Moke Niemann leads the tournament with 16.5 overall score, 0.5 points ahead of his compatriot GM Wesley So. Niemann won 3 times, drew once, and lost 5 times in the first Blitz Round-Robin. He lost no games in the Rapid part of the event. Hans stated that he considers himself a better Blitz player than Rapid on May 7.

Credit: Lennart Ootes