Stavanger: Praggnanandhaa Secures First Classical Victory Over Carlsen, Leads Norway Chess Tournament
Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa achieved a milestone by claiming his inaugural classical chess victory against world number one Magnus Carlsen, taking sole leadership with 5.5 points after three rounds in the Norway Chess tournament.
Praggnanandhaa, 18, playing with the white pieces, displaced local favorite Carlsen to fifth place in the standings.
Classical chess, characterized by extended time for moves, typically allows players at least one hour per game.
Previously, Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa had drawn in their three previous encounters in this format.
Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Praggnanandhaa’s sister R Vaishali also held the top spot with 5.5 points after drawing against Anna Muzychuk.
In other matches, USA’s Fabiano Caruana, ranked second globally, defeated reigning world champion Ding Liren of China, who fell to the bottom of the six-player field.
American Hikaru Nakamura secured victory in his 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 upcoming fourth round.
