Thu Feb 13 04:54:49 UTC 2025: ## Keymer Stuns Carlsen, Advances to Freestyle Chess Finals
**Wangels, Germany** – Vincent Keymer has secured a stunning victory over reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen, advancing to the finals of the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam. Keymer, who already defeated Carlsen in the first game of their semi-final matchup on Tuesday, fought to a draw in Wednesday’s game, securing his place in the final against Fabiano Caruana.
Carlsen’s exit followed a grueling semi-final against Keymer. In a separate semi-final, Caruana needed a six-game armageddon tiebreaker to overcome Uzbek GM Javokhir Sindarov after a drawn classical, rapid, and blitz match.
The tournament also saw its share of off-board drama. American grandmaster Hans Niemann, embroiled in a past controversy with Carlsen, initially tweeted cryptic support for a “VK,” leading to speculation it referred to Keymer. Niemann later clarified that he meant Vladimir Kramnik, leaving fans amused.
Keymer, who recently served as a second for Gukesh D in the World Championship, expressed relief at his win over Carlsen, calling it an “incredible achievement.” He admitted to making mistakes despite having a superior position.
Meanwhile, Gukesh’s tournament ended in disappointment with a loss to Hikaru Nakamura, who will now play Nodirbek Abdusattorov for fifth place. Abdusattorov defeated Alireza Firouzja to secure his spot.
First Piper 