GMs Carlsen, Nakamura, and Praggnanandhaa Lead 2024 Norway Chess After Round One

In a thrilling start to the 2024 Norway Chess tournament, Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu have taken the lead after securing armageddon wins in round one. The much-anticipated clash between Carlsen and GM Ding Liren was marked by a peculiar incident where the Norwegian took a dinner break after the game began.

Nakamura emerged victorious against GM Fabiano Caruana, while Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu beat GM Alireza Firouzja in a wild time scramble. All the classical games in the Women’s Norway Chess were drawn, with GM Humpy Koneru managing to win in armageddon after surviving a lost position against GM Pia Cramling.

The tournament promises more excitement in round two, scheduled to start on Tuesday, May 28. The standings after round one show Nakamura leading with 1.5 points, closely followed by Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa.

Norway Chess 2024 features both Open and Women’s tournaments with equal prize funds, running from May 27 to June 7 in Stavanger. Players will face each other twice in classical chess, with the winner of a game receiving three points. In case of a draw, an armageddon game will determine the final result.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on this thrilling chess tournament!