In the ongoing Norway Chess tournament, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has just secured his first-ever classical game victory over world number one Magnus Carlsen. The 18-year-old Indian, who has previously beaten Carlsen in rapid/exhibition games, claimed the top spot with 5.5 points after three rounds.
Playing with the white pieces, Praggnanandhaa’s win pushed Carlsen down to fifth place in the points table. In classical chess, players have ample time to make their moves, typically at least one hour. This victory marked a significant moment in Praggnanandhaa’s career, as he had drawn with Carlsen in their three previous encounters in this format.
Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa’s sister R Vaishali also excelled in the women’s competition, securing the top spot with 5.5 points after drawing her game against Anna Muzychuk. In other matches, American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana defeated reigning world champion Ding Liren of China, causing Liren to fall to the bottom of the standings in the six-player field.
American player Hikaru Nakamura won an Armageddon game against Alireza Firouzja of France, earning an additional half point and placing third in the standings. Nakamura is set to face Praggnanandhaa in the fourth round, promising an exciting matchup in the tournament.
Praggnanandhaa’s win over Carlsen is a testament to his talent and skill on the board. With each passing round, he is gaining more confidence and experience in playing against some of the world’s best chess players.
The tournament is still young and there are many more rounds left before it comes to an end. However, based on what we have seen so far, it looks like we are witnessing a battle between two young stars – Praggnanandhaa and Firouzja – for supremacy at this year’s Norwegian Chess Championship.
As a journalist covering this event closely, I can tell you that there is palpable excitement among chess enthusiasts around the world about what’s happening here in Norway.
Overall, it seems that this year’s Norwegian Chess Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling and unpredictable event that will keep chess fans on their toes until its conclusion later this month!
