Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa has taken the lead by defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess Championship.
This victory marks Praggnanandhaa’s first classical chess win over Carlsen. The 18-year-old had previously lost to Carlsen in rapid chess and exhibition matches, but this triumph in classical chess is a significant milestone. Praggnanandhaa now tops the standings with 5.5 points after three rounds.
What is Classical Chess?
Classical chess, also known as “slow chess,” allows players ample time to make their moves, usually at least an hour per game. In this match, Praggnanandhaa, playing with the white pieces, pushed Carlsen to fifth place in the points table. The two had drawn their last three matches in this format.
Victory Over World Champion Liren
In another notable game, world number two Fabiano Caruana of the United States defeated current world champion Ding Liren of China. This loss dropped Liren to the bottom of the six-player tournament standings. Liren is set to face India’s D Gukesh in the finals of the World Championship later this year. Praggnanandhaa had previously drawn against Liren in this tournament.
R Vaishali in the Lead
Meanwhile, American Hikaru Nakamura won an Armageddon match against France’s Alireza Firouzja, earning half a point and moving up to third place in the standings. Nakamura will face Praggnanandhaa in the fourth round. Praggnanandhaa’s sister, R Vaishali, is leading the women’s classical chess event at the Norway Chess Championship with a score of 5.5, following a draw against Anna Muzychuk.
