Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa Shocks the Chess World with Victory Over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess Tournament
Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa Stuns Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess Tournament
In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa made headlines on Wednesday by defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen during Round 3 of the prestigious Norway Chess tournament. This victory marks a significant milestone in Praggnanandhaa’s career, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
The match unfolded with Praggnanandhaa adopting a measured approach, steadily applying pressure on the five-time world champion. For much of the game, he dominated key stretches, demonstrating tactical prowess that kept Carlsen on the defensive. However, the tide turned dramatically as Carlsen, known for his resilience, mounted a late fightback. In a nail-biting finish, the Norwegian star found himself in severe time trouble, leading to a critical blunder that ultimately forced him to resign.
Following the match, an elated Praggnanandhaa took to social media to share his excitement, stating, “Happy to have played out a crazy fighting game against Magnus. Fortunate to have come out on top. Looking forward to play more fighting games!” His victory not only boosts his confidence but also cements his status as a rising star in the chess world.
In another high-stakes encounter, reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju faced off against tournament leader Alireza Firouzja. The match ended in a tense classical draw, but Firouzja managed to secure extra points in the Armageddon tie-break, allowing him to maintain his lead in the tournament standings.
Elsewhere, a match between Vincent Keymer and Wesley So also concluded in a draw, with So emerging victorious in the Armageddon to claim a crucial bonus point. Firouzja’s consistent performance has kept him at the top of the overall table after three rounds, highlighting his impressive form.
The Norway Chess Women tournament mirrored the excitement of the main event, with all classical games ending in draws and resolved through Armageddon tie-breakers. Standout performances included Anna Muzychuk’s victory over Humpy Koneru and Divya Deshmukh’s win against Bibisara Assaubayeva. Zhu Jiner also secured extra points against Ju Wenjun. Despite her defeat, Assaubayeva remains at the top of the women’s standings, with Zhu and Divya closing in after their critical wins.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Praggnanandhaa and Firouzja, whose performances continue to captivate chess enthusiasts around the globe.
(With inputs from agencies.)