R Praggnanandhaa Secures Hat-Trick of Wins, Defeating World Champion D Gukesh at Norway Chess

R Praggnanandhaa Triumphs Over D Gukesh, Completes Hat-Trick at Norway Chess

Oslo, Norway – In a stunning display of skill and strategy, R Praggnanandhaa defeated fellow Indian Grandmaster and reigning world champion D Gukesh in just 34 moves during the penultimate round of the ongoing Norway Chess tournament. This victory marks Praggnanandhaa’s third consecutive Classical win, significantly narrowing the gap with current leader Wesley So.

The 20-year-old chess prodigy has been on a remarkable journey throughout the tournament, having previously secured victories against world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Alireza Firouzja. His latest triumph over Gukesh not only avenged a previous loss but also solidified his position as a serious contender for the title, making him the first Indian with a realistic chance of winning this prestigious event.

Reflecting on his performance, Praggnanandhaa expressed pride in his game against Gukesh. “I usually lose to him because he does some weird creative stuff, and I end up overthinking,” he noted in a post-game interview. “But I managed my time well and calculated effectively, so I thought it was a good game overall.”

After a challenging start to the tournament, where he found himself at the bottom of the standings, Praggnanandhaa’s comeback has been nothing short of inspiring. “Three days back, I was fighting for the last spot, and now I have a chance at fighting for the title,” he said, highlighting his determination to keep pushing forward.

A Remarkable Comeback

Praggnanandhaa’s recent success is a testament to his resilience. Following two consecutive losses, including one to Wesley So, he has rebounded with a hat-trick of wins, placing him just half a point behind So. “I could have had more points if I had managed my time better in earlier rounds,” he admitted, emphasizing the importance of focus and strategy in high-stakes matches.

As the tournament approaches its final round, Praggnanandhaa remains committed to taking it one game at a time. “Winning here is so difficult that you can’t really calculate your moves too far ahead,” he explained. “I just want to fight in every game.”

Women’s Title Secured

In the women’s section, Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva clinched the title with a round to spare after drawing against veteran Ukrainian GM Anna Muzychuk, finishing with an impressive 16.5 points. Meanwhile, Indian GMs Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy are currently struggling at the bottom of the standings.

As the excitement builds for the final round, all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa as he aims to make history for Indian chess. With his remarkable skill and determination, he is poised to leave an indelible mark on the tournament and the sport itself.

First Published: June 05, 2026, 05:30 IST