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Alireza Firouzja Returns to Action with Unconventional Win

2026-06-23 · Alireza Firouzja · Player Focus

Alireza Firouzja Returns to Action with Unconventional Win

Alireza Firouzja played chess from his hotel bed on Monday, May 18, due to an injured ankle, and still managed to compete in the Grand Chess Tour.

What happened?

The Iranian-born chess grandmaster was forced to miss Sunday's game against Fabiano Caruana, but returned to action in a unique way. He played his round-five game against Javokhir Sindarov from his hotel room, with the board balanced on a small bedside table.

Why it matters for Alireza Firouzja

This unconventional setup did not seem to faze Sindarov, who calmly leaned over the board as Firouzja played horizontally from his mattress. The image of Firouzja in red shorts and black T-shirt quickly spread across social media, showcasing his determination to compete despite the injury.

What comes next?

The Bucharest leg of the Grand Chess Tour is a 10-game round-robin tournament that started on Thursday, and Firouzja will play his game in hand against Caruana on Tuesday's rest day. Firouzja's ability to adapt to unusual circumstances and still compete at a high level is a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport. The Grand Chess Tour will continue to be an exciting and unpredictable event, with top players like Firouzja and Sindarov competing for the top spot. And as the tournament progresses, fans will be eager to see how Firouzja recovers from his injury and performs in the remaining games. But for now, the focus is on his impressive return to action, and how he managed to turn a difficult situation into a unique opportunity. So the question on everyone's mind is: can Firouzja continue to perform well despite his injury, and what will be the outcome of his game against Caruana? The answer will have to wait until Tuesday, when the two players face off in their rescheduled match. As of May 18, Firouzja has already shown his ability to think on his feet and adapt to unusual circumstances, which will be crucial in the remaining games. With his injury and unconventional playing setup, Firouzja has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the chess world. The Grand Chess Tour will continue to be an exciting event, with top players competing for the top spot, and Firouzja's determination and skill will be on full display.

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