Zaur Gasanov - FIDE Master Extraordinaire
Meet Zaur Gasanov, or as the online chess battlefield knows him, APOLLONZEROTV. A FIDE Master with a knack for the lightning-fast and nerve-racking world of blitz and bullet chess, Zaur’s journey resembles a rollercoaster boldly ridden by a grandmaster in the making (or at least a thrilling ride for the spectators).
Career Highlights & Style
Zaur steadily climbed the ladder from humble beginnings in 2016 with a blitz rating around 2086 to reaching rapid-fire bullet battles at staggering ratings approaching 2884 by spring 2025. His blitz peak just cracked through the 2750 mark—a number that most grandmasters dream of but only a few achieve. Bullet is his playground, where the pieces fly as fast as his decisions—sometimes blinding opponents, sometimes resulting in a desperate tumble, but always exciting.
Known for an Early Resignation Rate of just 0.64% (talk about stubbornness!), Zaur’s games are marathon-ish affairs with average wins lasting around 77 moves. His endgame skills shine, playing deeply where others might tap out, showcasing patience and precision that make up for those occasional blunders in the frenzy.
Statistical Tidbits
- Overall blitz win rate hovers around an admirable 54%, challenging even the best on any given day.
- Bullet battles boast over 13,000 games with a solid 53.97% win rate – a digital battlefield Zaur dominates.
- His psychological tilt factor is a low 13 — a strong indicator that he stays calm even when a bishop goes rogue or a knight twists his plans.
- Comeback King: Zaur’s ability to claw back after losing a piece is impressive, with an 84.27% comeback rate. Nothing like turning near-defeat into a glorious checkmate!
A Quick Glance at Openings
Zaur keeps his tactical cards close to his chest—or should we say, "Top Secret"—with his most frequent and successful opening category named just that, boasting almost 54% wins in blitz and bullet formats. From the tried-and-true Indian Game variations to some Caro-Kann adventures, his opening repertoire is eclectic but discreet, probably to keep opponents guessing.
Fun Facts & Memes
“Why resign early when you can make your opponent sweat?” seems to be the (unofficial) motto of our FIDE Master. Despite occasional loss streaks, including a respectable 13-game “learning experience” in 2017, Zaur keeps the humor and fight alive on the board. 2024 and 2025 have been particularly bright years, with streaks and ratings that suggest the best is yet to come.
At 6 AM, Zaur’s chess brain apparently hits top gear, clinching some of his best plays. Maybe it’s the calm before the caffeine storm or the mystical powers of dawn, but you definitely don’t want to challenge him at that hour!
Recent Triumphs & Tribulations
Highlighting his latest victories is a classy performance against PracticeMakesOK where Zaur’s technique in the Tarrasch Defense led to a resignation in just 30 moves—showing perfect blend of strategy and speed.
Of course, every chess journey includes setbacks. Recent losses against seasoned toughies like K1Qqp show that even titans falter. But Zaur’s resilience and quick adaptation have him bouncing back stronger each game.
In Conclusion
Zaur Gasanov is not just a player; he’s a chess marathon runner sprinting in a bullet race. With a blend of steadfast endgame fights, rapid tactical awareness, and an ever-expanding skillset, he’s someone the chess community watches with bated breath and a smile. So next time you see APOLLONZEROTV online, buckle up—it’s going to be an electrifying ride.