In Norway Chess, R Praggnanandhaa defeated the Norwegian world No. 1  Magnus Carlsen, gripping the contest to claim three full points in round three of  the tournament yesterday. In contrast, world champion D Gukesh continued to endure a difficult run, suffering another setback after losing to Alireza Firouzja in the final game following a hard-fought classical draw.

 

The victory was another major statement from Praggnanandhaa, who arrived in Oslo on the eve of the Norway Chess after a string of impressive performances at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania in Bucharest.

 

The win took the Indian to 4.5 points and lifted him to the sole second place in the standings at the Norway Chess. He now trails only Firouzja, who leads the tournament with 7.5 points. Meanwhile, Gukesh remains on 3.5 points and continues to struggle for momentum, with his difficult run in the Norway Chess showing little sign of easing. The world champion is currently placed fourth in the six-player Open field.