'Not my favourite format': Duda reveals he rejected World Cup and Grand Swiss, calls Sinquefield Cup his last classical event 'for several months'

Duda, who was also one of the Seconds for India's D. Gukesh during the World Championship final against China's Ding Liren, also revealed that he has pulled out from two big FIDE classical events, which are the World Cup and the Grand Swiss.

By: Sports Desk

Updated: August 22, 2025 07:07 PM IST

2 min read

Jan-Krzysztof Duda in action during Sinquefield Cup 2025. (Grand Chess Tour/Lennart Ootest)

Polish Grandmaster Jan-Krzysztof Duda showed disappointment over his performance at the Sinquefield Cup 2025 while saying he is not fond of the Classical format. Duda also said the Sinquefield Cup — the fifth and last event of the Grand Chess Tour — will be his last tournament in this format in the near future.

Duda, who is placed ninth in the GCT event happening in Saint Louis after the four rounds, said, “Well, it’s (Standard time control) not my favourite time control, that’s for sure,” he said after playing out a quick draw against the USA’s Levon Aronian in the fourth round.

“I’m not really fond of it (Classical tournament), to be honest, and I think it will be like my last (classical) tournament for at least several months,” he said.

Duda has 1.5 points in four rounds after three draws and a loss against defending champion Alireza Firozuja.

Duda, who was also one of the Seconds for India’s D. Gukesh during the World Championship final against China’s Ding Liren, also revealed that he has pulled out from two big FIDE classical events, which are the World Cup and the Grand Swiss.

“I also rejected playing in the World Cup and the Grand Swiss,” confirmed Duda. Grand Swiss will be played in Uzbekistan, while India will be hosting the FIDE World Cup 2025 later this year.

Bltiz better for Duda

Duda is considered to be a short-format specialist who has excelled in blitz and bullet events. When asked about facing two of the best all-format players, USA’s Hikaru Nakamura and Norwegian maestro Magnus Carlsen, in the short time control, he said, “They are very strong, very interesting opponents to play against. You just play them and don’t overthink.

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He also said his preferred time format is blitz, as one can still hope for chances even in a hopeless position. “Usually, I get surprised by Magnus. Usually I prepare to tiff with nasty ideas but it’s tough obviously, but blitz is always fun no matter how bad your position could be, objectively you can still hope for some chances,” he said.

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