Daijiworld Media Network – Oslo
Oslo, Jun 5: Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa moved within striking distance of the Norway Chess title after registering his third consecutive classical victory, defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh in the penultimate round of the tournament.
Despite Praggnanandhaa's impressive surge, American Grandmaster Wesley So continues to lead the standings, holding a slender half-point advantage heading into the final round. French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja remains in contention, another half-point behind Praggnanandhaa.
The title race is set for a thrilling finish, with all three players still capable of lifting the trophy under Norway Chess' unique scoring system, which awards three points for a classical win.
Praggnanandhaa's latest triumph came after an extraordinary turnaround in form. Following back-to-back defeats in rounds five and six, the Indian star has bounced back with classical victories over Alireza Firouzja, Magnus Carlsen and now Gukesh.
Meanwhile, Wesley So maintained his lead after drawing his classical game against Magnus Carlsen before defeating the Norwegian star in the Armageddon tie-break to earn an additional half-point.
Firouzja also stayed in the hunt after overcoming Vincent Keymer in Armageddon. Their classical encounter lasted 91 moves and featured several missed opportunities before the Frenchman eventually secured the crucial extra point in the tie-break.
The tournament has also triggered significant changes in the live world rankings. Carlsen has dropped more than 21 rating points, while So has climbed to seventh in the world rankings. Praggnanandhaa has risen four places to 12th.
Gukesh, meanwhile, has endured a disappointing campaign, losing over 11 Elo points and slipping to 25th in the live rankings. Among Indian players, he now trails Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa, Viswanathan Anand and Nihal Sarin.
With one round remaining, Praggnanandhaa will face Vincent Keymer with the white pieces, while leader Wesley So takes on Firouzja in a decisive clash that could determine the Norway Chess champion.