A remarkable feat has unfolded on the chess boards, showcasing not only strategic depth but also incredible speed and endurance. Belgian Grandmaster Daniel Dardha has reportedly set a new world record in a clock simultaneous exhibition, a demanding format that tests a player`s ability to manage time across numerous games running concurrently.
Unlike the traditional simul where the single player dictates the pace by moving from board to board, a clock simul introduces a dynamic and frankly, rather stressful, element: each opponent has their own clock and can make their move at any time. This forces the simul player – in this case, Dardha – into a relentless race against the clock across every single board. There`s no waiting; decisions must be made rapidly and consistently to avoid time trouble on any of the fifty battlefields.
Against a field of 50 opponents with a respectable average Elo rating of 1834, Dardha delivered an exceptional performance. He secured victory in a staggering 40 games, drew seven, and suffered only three losses. This resulted in a total score of 43.5 points out of a possible 50, translating to an impressive success rate of 87%. For comparison, the previous record holder, Dutch Grandmaster Sipke Ernst, scored 35 points against 47 opponents in November 2022, achieving a 74% success rate. Dardha didn`t just break the record; he significantly raised the bar.
The grueling event took place in the fittingly grand setting of the De Brielpoort concert hall in Deinze. While his opponents could, in theory, take a moment to gather their thoughts and plan their next move (within the constraints of their own clocks, of course), Dardha was engaged in what amounted to fifty simultaneous high-speed encounters. It`s a test of sustained concentration and quick calculation that few formats can match.
While the record currently stands as reported, it awaits official ratification. The necessary application has been submitted by the Belgian Chess Federation, a standard procedure for acknowledging such extraordinary achievements.
Daniel Dardha`s performance is more than just a statistic; it`s a testament to his skill, stamina, and mental fortitude under immense pressure. Setting a world record in such a challenging and unforgiving format firmly places his name in the history books of simultaneous chess exhibitions.
