Magnus Carlsen Avenge ‘Table Slam’ Loss with Victory Over D Gukesh at Norway Chess

Carlsen Aces Gukesh in Norway Chess Rematch, Averts ‘Table Slam’ Moment

Oslo, Norway – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Magnus Carlsen triumphed over reigning world champion D Gukesh in the fourth round of the Norway Chess tournament on Thursday, marking his first Classical victory in the event this year. The match, which lasted 42 moves, not only showcased Carlsen’s prowess but also served as a redemption arc for the world No. 1, who had suffered a shocking defeat to Gukesh in the same tournament last year—a loss that famously culminated in Carlsen’s viral ‘table slam’ moment.

Playing with the black pieces, Carlsen’s victory comes just a day before he celebrates his 20th birthday, a fitting prelude to a milestone occasion. The prestigious tournament, which has moved to Oslo from Stavanger this year, has seen Carlsen facing a rocky start, with earlier draws and losses against Alireza Firouzja and R Praggnanandhaa.

The match began with a Queen’s Gambit Opening, where the evaluation bar gradually tilted in Carlsen’s favor. However, it was Gukesh’s time management that ultimately sealed his fate. With less than a minute left on his clock compared to Carlsen’s eight, Gukesh succumbed to the pressure, resigning after 42 moves.

This victory not only avenged last year’s defeat but also marked a significant turning point for Carlsen in the ongoing tournament, where he now sits in fourth place with 4.5 points. Gukesh, on the other hand, finds himself at the bottom of the standings with 3.5 points after this loss.

Gukesh’s Struggles Continue

Gukesh’s earlier triumph over Carlsen in the sixth round of the 2025 Norway Chess was a historic moment, as it marked the first time the young Indian Grandmaster defeated the chess legend. That match, which lasted 62 moves, ended with Carlsen’s frustrated table slam—a moment that has since become a staple of chess memes and discussions online.

Despite his earlier successes, Gukesh’s performance in this year’s tournament has been inconsistent. He managed to secure hard-fought draws against Vincent Keymer and Wesley So in the first two rounds, but the pressure of facing Carlsen proved too much.

Tournament Highlights

In other notable developments, Praggnanandhaa secured a bonus half-point by defeating Keymer in an Armageddon face-off after their initial game ended in a stalemate. Meanwhile, current tournament leader Firouzja faced his first defeat after running out of time in his own Armageddon match against Wesley So.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Carlsen as he aims for a record-extending eighth Norway Chess title. With the standings shifting dramatically after Round 4, the competition remains fierce, and fans are eager to see how the remaining rounds unfold.

Women’s Section Update

In the women’s section, all three Classical games ended in draws for the third consecutive round. Indian Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh faced defeats in their respective Armageddon matches, leaving Humpy at the bottom of the table with 3 points, while Divya shares the second spot with 5.5 points.

As the chess world watches closely, the Norway Chess tournament continues to deliver excitement and drama, with Carlsen’s latest victory serving as a reminder of his enduring legacy in the game.