In a remarkable display of endurance, rapid calculation, and sheer mental agility, Belgian Grandmaster Daniel Dardha has reportedly set a new world record in the highly demanding format of a chess clock simultaneous exhibition. The event, held recently in Deinze, Belgium, saw the young grandmaster face off against a large field of opponents, achieving a score that surpasses the previous benchmark.
Understanding the Clock Simul
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a clock simultaneous exhibition is a significantly different challenge compared to the traditional simul. In a standard simul, the main player moves sequentially from board to board, making one move at a time while opponents wait. The pace is largely dictated by the simul player`s movement and decision speed across the entire circuit.
A clock simul, however, introduces individual game clocks for each participant. This means Dardha`s opponents were free to make their moves and hit their clocks whenever they were ready, without having to wait for him to arrive at their board. This dynamic places immense pressure on the simul player, who must manage their time across dozens of active games concurrently, making quick, sound decisions on every board they visit, as their own time is ticking down continuously. It`s less a stroll through a chess garden and more a high-speed sprint across a minefield of ticking clocks.
Dardha`s Record-Breaking Performance
Facing a total of 50 opponents at the Brielpoort concert hall, whose average Elo rating was a respectable 1834, Dardha delivered a truly exceptional performance. He secured victory in 40 games, drew in 7, and suffered only 3 losses. This tally results in a final score of 43.5 points out of a possible 50.
Achieving an impressive winning rate of 87% in such a challenging format highlights Dardha`s skill and stamina under pressure.
Eclipsing the Previous Benchmark
This result significantly overtakes the performance previously considered the world record for a clock simul. That record was held by Dutch Grandmaster Sipke Ernst, who, in November 2022, played against 47 opponents and scored 35 points, translating to a 74% success rate. Dardha not only faced three more opponents but also achieved a substantially higher point total and a considerably superior percentage score, establishing a clear new high water mark for this demanding chess discipline.
Pending Official Verification
While the results of the simul are clear and documented, the official status of this performance as a new world record is currently pending confirmation. The necessary application and documentation have been submitted to the Belgian Chess Federation for validation. So, for now, the chess world waits for the formal rubber stamp on what appears to be an extraordinary new record in the annals of simultaneous chess exhibitions. It seems even after a lightning-fast simul, the process of recognition requires its own, perhaps less frantic, pace.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely