Norway Chess 2026: Firouzja Dominates with Perfect Start, Assaubayeva Holds Lead in Women’s Tournament
Alireza Firouzja Dominates Day Two of Norway Chess 2026
Oslo, Norway – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja emerged as the standout performer on Day Two of the Norway Chess 2026 tournament, securing the only classical victory of the day against GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. With this win, Firouzja has opened up a commanding 3.5-point lead, boasting a perfect score of 6/6.
The day was not without drama, as World Champion Magnus Carlsen faced off against GM Vincent Keymer in a chaotic classical match that could have swung either way. Ultimately, Carlsen triumphed in the armageddon tiebreaker, but the victory was bittersweet after missing several key opportunities during the classical game.
In another gripping encounter, GM Gukesh Dommaraju forced GM Wesley So into a queen sacrifice but ultimately faltered, losing in armageddon. The tension in the air was palpable as players battled not just their opponents, but the clock as well.
Meanwhile, in the Women’s tournament, GM Bibisara Assaubayeva continues to lead after a nail-biting match against GM Zhu Jiner, which she survived before clinching victory in the armageddon tiebreaker. Assaubayeva now holds a 1.5-point lead over GM Divya Deshmukh, who secured a crucial win against GM Koneru Humpy. GM Anna Muzychuk also bounced back from a previous loss, defeating Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun.
As the tournament progresses, Firouzja’s remarkable performance has made him the player to watch. With a significant lead heading into Round Three, he is set to face Gukesh, while Carlsen will take on Praggnanandhaa in a surprising matchup between the two players currently at the bottom of the standings.
Upcoming Matches
Round Three kicks off on Wednesday, May 27, at 11 a.m. ET / 17:00 CEST / 8:30 p.m. IST. The anticipation is building as players prepare for another round of intense competition.
Norway Chess Round 2 Results:
- Alireza Firouzja vs. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu: Firouzja wins
- Magnus Carlsen vs. Vincent Keymer: Carlsen wins in armageddon
- Gukesh Dommaraju vs. Wesley So: So wins in armageddon
- Bibisara Assaubayeva vs. Zhu Jiner: Assaubayeva wins in armageddon
- Divya Deshmukh vs. Koneru Humpy: Deshmukh wins
- Anna Muzychuk vs. Ju Wenjun: Muzychuk wins
How to Watch
Fans can catch all the action live on the Chess24 YouTube and Twitch channels, or follow the games on the official events page for both the Open and Women’s tournaments.
With equal prize funds of 1,690,000 NOK (~$182k) and a format that includes both classical and armageddon matches, Norway Chess 2026 promises to deliver more excitement as it unfolds in Oslo from May 25 to June 5.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis of the games as the tournament progresses!