The first day of the Clutch Chess: The Legends 2026 has concluded. Veselin Topalov defeated Garry Kasparov 2 times, drew one time, and lost once. Topalov leads the tournament with 2.5 points.

Kasparov made a Blunder with a Knight on move 32 in the first Rapid game. Veselin used the advantage he gained and sacrificed a Rook on move 34. Garry resigned on move 46 with 3 Pawns fewer than Topalov.

The current standings are:

Place Player Score
1. 🇧🇬 Veselin Topalov 2.5
2. 🇷🇺 Garry Kasparov 1.5

The Clutch Chess: The Legends 2026 is a Chess960 exhibition match between the two former World Champions. The event takes place from September 11 to 13 at the Saint Louis Chess Club in Missouri, United States.

The match features two Rapid and two Blitz games per day over three days. The tournament prize fund is $144,000, with $70,000 for first place, $50,000 for second, and a $24,000 bonus.

Credit: Austin Fuller