Dramatic Turn of Events at Norway Chess: Indian Stars Shine as Carlsen and Gukesh Struggle

R Praggnanandhaa Shines as Norway Chess Drama Unfolds

NEW DELHI: As the 14th edition of Norway Chess approaches its climax, the chess world is buzzing with unexpected twists and turns. Who would have predicted that reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh and the legendary Magnus Carlsen would find themselves languishing at the bottom of the points table? With just three rounds left, the tension is palpable at the Deichman Bjørvika Library in Oslo.

Monday’s Round 7 saw a remarkable turnaround for the Indian contingent, who had faced a challenging day in the previous round. Leading the charge was Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, the Chennai-born prodigy who showcased his exceptional skills against Alireza Firouzja. After suffering a defeat to Germany’s Vincent Keymer, Praggnanandhaa rebounded with a masterful performance, employing the Giuoco Pianissimo opening. His strategic piece placement and aggressive play on the queenside led to a decisive victory, marking Firouzja’s second consecutive loss in the tournament.

Divya Deshmukh Triumphs in Armageddon Showdown

In a thrilling all-Indian clash, Divya Deshmukh faced off against veteran Koneru Humpy in the women’s section. After their classical game ended in a stalemate, the match proceeded to an Armageddon tie-break. With the clock ticking, Deshmukh, playing with the Black pieces, executed the Benko Gambit to seize control of the board. Her precise moves, including a critical queen trade, turned the tide in her favor, ultimately leading to a stunning victory. This win keeps her in contention, trailing the women’s section leader Bibisara Assaubayeva by just 2.5 points.

Carlsen and Gukesh Find Redemption in Armageddon

Despite a lackluster tournament by his standards, Magnus Carlsen managed to salvage some pride by outmaneuvering Vincent Keymer in the Armageddon tie-break. Similarly, D Gukesh, after a drawn classical game, secured a win against Wesley So in his own tie-break. Both players are now looking to regain their footing as the tournament nears its conclusion.

In other notable matches, Bibisara Assaubayeva continued her impressive form with a classical win over China’s Zhu Jiner, while Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun faced a setback against reigning Norway Chess Women champion Anna Muzychuk.

As the chess community watches with bated breath, the final rounds promise to deliver even more excitement and drama. Will Praggnanandhaa continue his ascent? Can Divya Deshmukh close the gap on the leader? And how will Carlsen and Gukesh respond to their unexpected positions? Only time will tell as the chess pieces move towards the final showdown in Oslo.