Magnus Carlsen Extends Lead in Norway Chess 2024, Ju Wenjun Leads Women’s Tournament

World number-one Magnus Carlsen continued his dominance at Norway Chess 2024 by extending his lead to a full point after defeating GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu in armageddon. The day started with GM Hikaru Nakamura looking poised to defeat GM Alireza Firouzja, but the youngster turned the tables and won in a blitz showdown. Meanwhile, World Champion Ding Liren suffered a tough loss in armageddon to GM Fabiano Caruana after squandering two winning positions.

In the Women’s Norway Chess tournament, Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun took the lead after a thrilling classical game against GM Pia Cramling. GM Lei Tingjie also secured her first classical win against GM Koneru Humpy. The previous leader, GM Anna Muzychuk, lost on time in armageddon to GM Vaishali Rameshbabu.

With round nine set to start on Thursday, June 6, the competition is heating up as the top players in both the Open and Women’s tournaments are still very much in contention. Stay tuned for more updates and player quotes as the tournament progresses.

Norway Chess 2024 features equal prize funds for both the Open and Women’s tournaments and runs from May 27 to June 7 in Stavanger. Players face off twice in classical chess, with the winner of a game receiving three points. In case of a draw, players battle it out in armageddon to determine the final outcome. Don’t miss the exciting action as the world’s top chess players compete for glory in Norway.