Oslo. R Praggnanandhaa took full three points by defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen in a thrilling match in the third round of Norway Chess here, while reigning world champion D Gukesh’s poor form continued. Gukesh was defeated by Alireza Firozha on Armageddon (sudden death tiebreaker) as the match was a draw.
Carlsen may not have been in his usual form at this year’s tournament, but defeating the seven-time champion in his home country is one of the greatest achievements in world chess. Praggnananda, who came after a brilliant performance at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania in Bucharest, maintained that momentum.
After this win, he has got 4.5 points and is in second place. Firozha is on top with 7.5 points. Gukesh has 3.5 points and is fourth in the open category of six players. Carlsen is in sixth place with 1.5 points. Praggnananda had defeated Carlsen for the first time in the classical format in the same tournament in 2024.
Firozha left the venue in a wheelchair due to an injury sustained in Romania and was wearing a moon boot. He was in pain but overcame it and performed brilliantly. Gukesh’s poor form is a cause for concern as he has to play a World Championship match against Javokhir Sindarov later this year.
Praggnananda said after the victory, “There is nothing to celebrate in this victory.” It’s like a coin toss in which I could win and so could Magnus. I am not very proud of this performance but I am happy that we played well in the first half but with time control the game could have gone either way.
Now Carlsen will face Gukesh on Thursday. In the women’s category, Divya Deshmukh won Armageddon for the third time in the tournament and this time defeated Bibisera Asayubayeva. Now he is in second place with 4.5 points while Bibisera is one point ahead of him. Two-time world rapid champion Koneru Humpy was defeated by defending champion Anna Muzychuk. Hampi is at sixth position with two points.
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