After defeating D Gukesh in Game 1 of the quarter-finals, Fabiano Caruana forced the Indian Grandmaster to resign in just 18 moves in Game 2, eliminating him from the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour Stage 1 title race in Weissenhaus on Monday.

The reigning world champion lost the must-win Game 2 of the last eight on Monday to continue his winless run in Weissenhaus

Gukesh was also fortunate to not have more losses to his name. He should've lost the sixth-round match against Fabiano Caruana, too, with the American gaining complete control during the endgame and having a completely winning position, only for his blunder to allow Gukesh to escape with a series of checks.

World Champion D Gukesh began his campaign at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam tour with three draws and a lone loss, signaling that he is gradually coming to terms with the new format.

Gukesh will have a chance to level on Monday when the two players play the second game of the quarter-final with colours reversed. Gukesh went winless in the rapid section of the event to figure out seedings for knockout stage.

Gukesh lost the second leg on Monday, sealing his exit from the tournament. Gukesh will now play for the 5th-8th place Playoff.