World chess champion D Gukesh exacted sweet revenge on Hikaru Nakamura by securing a crucial victory against the American Grandmaster in the rapid format at the Clutch Chess Champions Showdown in Saint Louis, USA, winning their mini-match with a composed and dominant performance.

Nakamura had triggered a controversy weeks earlier by throwing Gukesh’s king into the crowd after beating him in the “Checkmate: USA vs India” exhibition event. That controversial act by the American had caused social media uproar, making the rematch highly anticipated.

The decisive win for the young Indian came in Round 2, Game 1, where Gukesh, playing with Black pieces, emerged victorious from a deeply strategic battle. Instead of repeating the dramatic gesture after his win, Gukesh immediately decided to rearrange the chessboard. This simple, respectful act by the young world champion spoke volumes about his sportsman’s spirit.

Gukesh’s composed behaviour after beating Nakamura won the hearts of fans across the social media with many lauding his consistent nature, which remains unflustered in both victories and defeats. His conduct served as a subtle but powerful contrast to the earlier theatrics, reinforcing the dignity of the game.

Nakamura’s king-throwing row

The gesture by Nakamura, though later claimed by some to have been encouraged by the organisers, sparked a heated debate. Many fans and top players called the showman-like act “disrespectful”. However, others defended the action as part of the action to bring a high-energy, stadium-sport atmosphere to the exhibition event.

Nakamura had defended his actions, stating that the king-toss was always planned if he won and was intended purely for the entertainment of the fans.

Also read: Nakamura halts Gukesh’s winning streak, Erigaisi stuns Caruana