NEW DELHI: World number one Magnus Carlsen extended his lead to a full point by defeating Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa in an intense armageddon showdown with White on Tuesday in the eighth round of the Norway Chess 2024 tournament.
This victory was especially sweet for Carlsen, who had earlier suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Praggnanandhaa in a classical game format, marking the first time the young Indian talent bested the world champion in such a setting.
The day was filled with thrilling encounters. Hikaru Nakamura seemed poised to clinch a win against Alireza Firouzja in classical chess. However, Firouzja showcased remarkable defensive skills, pushing the match into a blitz tiebreaker, where he emerged victorious, much to the delight of his fans.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Ding Liren experienced a turbulent day. Despite having two winning positions against Fabiano Caruana, Liren faltered and lost in the armageddon tiebreaker.
Despite the defeat to Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa’s tournament journey has been notable so far, with impressive victories against both Caruana and Liren, underscoring his rapid ascent in the chess world.
This victory was especially sweet for Carlsen, who had earlier suffered a rare defeat at the hands of Praggnanandhaa in a classical game format, marking the first time the young Indian talent bested the world champion in such a setting.
The day was filled with thrilling encounters. Hikaru Nakamura seemed poised to clinch a win against Alireza Firouzja in classical chess. However, Firouzja showcased remarkable defensive skills, pushing the match into a blitz tiebreaker, where he emerged victorious, much to the delight of his fans.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Ding Liren experienced a turbulent day. Despite having two winning positions against Fabiano Caruana, Liren faltered and lost in the armageddon tiebreaker.
Despite the defeat to Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa’s tournament journey has been notable so far, with impressive victories against both Caruana and Liren, underscoring his rapid ascent in the chess world.
In the women’s tournament, Ju Wenjun, the Women’s World Champion, took the lead in Women’s Norway Chess after a chaotic yet brilliant win in a classical game against Pia Cramling.
Lei Tingjie secured her first classical victory by defeating Koneru Humpy. The previous leader Anna Muzychuk experienced a setback, losing on time in an armageddon battle against Praggnanandhaa’s sister R Vaishali.
With the Norway Chess 2024 tournament progressing, the competition intensifies, with each game contributing to the unfolding drama. Carlsen’s ability to rebound and extend his lead highlights his resilience and strategic acumen, while the young talents like Praggnanandhaa and Firouzja continue to impress, challenging the established elite.