Nodirbek Abdusattorov produced a remarkable comeback to force a playoff against Alireza Firouzja at the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 on July 6, 2026.
What happened?
Firouzja looked destined for victory with a three-point lead, but Abdusattorov's comeback led to a historic Armageddon tiebreak.
Why it matters for Nodirbek Abdusattorov
Abdusattorov's second-place finish earned him $42,500 and showcased his skills against top opponents like Firouzja and Gukesh.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored just three out of nine in the Blitz, but managed to win the tiebreak, ultimately finishing in second place.
What comes next?
The Grand Chess Tour continues with the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz from July 31 to August 7, 2026, where Abdusattorov will face new challenges.
The Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026 was the third stop of the 2026 Grand Chess Tour, with Fabiano Caruana retaining the overall Tour lead despite not competing in Croatia.
Alireza Firouzja's victory vaults him into third in the standings, with Wesley So rounding out the current top four as the Tour heads to the United States for its second half.
The 2026 GCT Finals will conclude in Saint Louis, Missouri, where the Saint Louis Chess Club will host the final two regular-season events before the season culminates with the Grand Chess Tour Finals.