Zahar Efimenko - Grandmaster Extraordinaire
Known online as Saxar85, Zahar Efimenko is a chess Grandmaster with a knack for blitz battles and a reputation for tactical wizardry. Holding the prestigious Grandmaster title awarded by FIDE, Zahar has dazzled opponents with adrenaline-fueled games, boasting a peak blitz rating of an astonishing 2818 as of October 2024.
Zahar's lightning-fast style is reflected in a blitz win record of over 285 victories out of nearly 550 games played with a secret arsenal of openings that keep rivals guessing. While some may say patience is a virtue, Zahar prefers a swift demolition: an average win is sealed in about 75 moves, but don’t be fooled—losing usually drags on with 86 moves of tenacious resistance!
Not just a one-trick pony, Zahar shines in rapid and bullet formats too, with impressive peak ratings of 2757 (rapid) and 2647 (bullet). The ability to bounce back is another hallmark—boasting a remarkable 88.6% comeback rate when down in a game, and showing keen tactical awareness by winning over half of the matches even after losing a piece.
Off the board, Zahar’s psychological resilience is notable; a "tilt factor" of 6 hints there’s only so much mental pressure a grandmaster can take before plotting some ruthless moves at 9 AM, the prime time when their chess senses are truly sharp. Playing style-wise, Zahar slightly favors the white pieces with a 56% win rate, but isn't afraid to unlock victory with the black side either.
With an opening repertoire labeled "Top Secret" (and deservedly so), opponents like eljanov and ndepinesperg have felt the sting more than once. Fond of Monday morning challenges to kickstart the week and with an uncanny 100% win record at 9 o'clock hours, it’s clear Zahar’s brain is wired for battles when most are hitting snooze.
Career Highlights & Fun Facts
- Longest winning streak: 8 games – impressive for any mortal, let alone a Grandmaster.
- Highest blitz rating achieved: 2818 – climbing close to the chess Olympian galaxy.
- Average resilience: Average 86 moves in losses suggests a never-say-die attitude.
- Most recent victory? A classic “King's Indian Attack” tactic forcing opponent to resign lickety-split on December 17, 2024.
Whether it’s a bullet brawl or a marathon rapid, Zahar Efimenko remains a formidable force in chess, blending speed, strategy, and a sense of humor (or so we imagine—how else could one keep smiling while losing 6 games in a row?). One thing’s for sure: facing Saxar85 means stepping into a storm of chess brilliance where every move counts.
