Norway Chess 2026 Round 7: So and Assaubayeva Maintain Dominance as Tensions Rise in the Standings
GM Wesley So Leads Norway Chess 2026 After Round Seven
Oslo, Norway – Grandmaster Wesley So has solidified his position at the top of the Norway Chess 2026 standings after a thrilling seventh round, showcasing his strategic prowess against formidable opponents. So currently leads the tournament with a comfortable margin of 2.5 points over GM Alireza Firouzja, who finds himself grappling with unexpected challenges.
In a dramatic clash, World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju had a winning position against So but faltered in the classical game, ultimately losing in the subsequent armageddon match. Despite his valiant efforts, Gukesh remains at the bottom of the leaderboard, a surprising turn for the reigning champion.
Meanwhile, GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu inflicted a second consecutive classical defeat on Firouzja, although this did not alter Firouzja’s standing in the tournament. The young prodigy continues to face hurdles, raising questions about his form as the competition intensifies.
The round also featured an intriguing encounter between GM Vincent Keymer and world number one Magnus Carlsen. Their King’s Indian battle ended in a draw, but Carlsen showcased his resilience by clinching victory in the armageddon match, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch player.
In the women’s tournament, GM Bibisara Assaubayeva extended her lead to 2.5 points after capitalizing on a significant blunder by GM Zhu Jiner, securing her second classical win. Assaubayeva’s consistent performance has made her a formidable contender, while GM Divya Deshmukh, in second place, managed to outmaneuver GM Koneru Humpy in a Benko Gambit, although she had to settle for an armageddon win after missing a classical opportunity.
GM Anna Muzychuk edged ahead of GM Ju Wenjun, who faced her sixth consecutive armageddon loss, despite being close to a classical victory earlier in the match. The women’s tournament remains fiercely competitive, with Assaubayeva and Deshmukh leading the charge.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with round eight set to commence on Tuesday, June 2, at 11 a.m. ET / 17:00 CEST / 8:30 p.m. IST. Fans can catch all the action live on Chess24’s YouTube and Twitch channels.
This year’s Norway Chess features both Open and Women’s tournaments, each boasting equal prize funds of 1,690,000 NOK (approximately $182,000). The format includes classical chess matches followed by armageddon tiebreakers, ensuring every point is fiercely contested.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds, and check back for a detailed report on the Game of the Day, featuring expert annotations by GM Dejan Bojkov.