Alireza Firouzja commented on his performance on the last day of the GCT Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026. Firouzja says this was the worst day of his career, and notes the importance of his win over Gukesh Dommaraju.

Alireza Firouzja

Alireza Firouzja

France's No. 1

“This was the worst Blitz of my life…

Actually, the worst day of my life career-wise. I scored three out of nine. So, it’s a really horrible performance for me. But at the end I’m happy that I managed to get to the Tiebreaks, at least.

I’m most proud of my game against Gukesh. I had to win that game to force the Tiebreaks. So, that game was really important, and I’m happy that I managed to find some tricks.”

The GCT Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 took place from July 1 to 5, at The Westin hotel in Zagreb. Alireza Firouzja and Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored 23.5 in Rapid and Blitz parts and advanced to the Tiebreak. Firouzja defeated Abdusattorov 2-1 and won the event. On the last day of the tournament Alireza won 3 games, lost 4, and drew 2.

Credit: Lennart Ootes