Norway Chess 2026 Round 4: Carlsen Claims Victory Over Gukesh, Assaubayeva Extends Lead in Women’s Tournament

Norway Chess 2026: Carlsen Exorcises Ghosts with Victory Over Gukesh

Oslo, Norway – In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, world number one Magnus Carlsen triumphed over reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the only classical win of round four at the Norway Chess 2026 tournament. This victory not only marks Carlsen’s first classical win of the event but also serves as a redemption arc, allowing him to exorcise the memories of their infamous table-slam game from the previous year.

Carlsen’s decisive win propels him back into contention, moving him up the leaderboard as he aims to reclaim his dominance in the chess world. Meanwhile, Alireza Firouzja continues to lead the tournament despite a setback, losing to Wesley So in an intense armageddon match. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu sits in sole second place after a hard-fought victory against Vincent Keymer, although he was in a winning position during their classical encounter.

In the women’s tournament, all three classical games in round four ended in draws, leaving Bibisara Assaubayeva at the top of the standings with seven points after her victory over Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun in armageddon. Close behind are GMs Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner, along with Divya Deshmukh, who, despite a blunder that cost her a queen, remains in contention.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes are high. Round five is set to commence on Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. ET / 17:00 CEST / 8:30 p.m. IST, promising more excitement for chess enthusiasts around the globe.

Round 4 Highlights

• Carlsen vs. Gukesh: Carlsen’s victory over Gukesh was the highlight of the day, showcasing his tactical prowess and determination.
• Firouzja’s Leadership: Despite his loss, Firouzja remains the tournament leader, but the gap is narrowing as competitors close in.
• Women’s Tournament: Assaubayeva’s strong performance keeps her ahead, while Ju Wenjun struggles to regain her footing.

Upcoming Matches

As the players prepare for round five, Firouzja will face Keymer with the white pieces, while Assaubayeva will take on Muzychuk as Black. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping tournament.

How to Watch

Chess enthusiasts can catch all the action live on the Chess24 YouTube and Twitch channels. For detailed game coverage, visit the event pages for the Open and Women tournaments.

With a prize fund of 1,690,000 NOK (~$182k) and thrilling matchups ahead, Norway Chess 2026 promises to deliver unforgettable moments in the world of chess. Stay tuned for full coverage of round four and beyond!