Gukesh Draws With Firouzja, Divya Deshmukh Wins in Armageddon

Oslo (Norway), May 28 (H.S.): Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa pulled off a major upset in the third round of Norway Chess 2026 on Wednesday by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. In the match played in Oslo, Praggnanandhaa produced a brilliant strategic performance to secure victory in the classical game.

For most of the contest, Praggnanandhaa appeared to be in a commanding position. Although the momentum briefly seemed to shift in Carlsen’s favour under time pressure, the Norwegian star soon committed a major blunder and was forced to accept defeat.

The classical encounter between World Champion D. Gukesh and tournament leader Alireza Firouzja was fiercely contested and eventually ended in a draw. However, Firouzja won the subsequent Armageddon game to earn the additional point and maintain his lead in the standings.

Meanwhile, the classical game between Vincent Keymer and Wesley So also ended in a draw. Wesley So later emerged victorious in the Armageddon tie-break.

After the completion of the third round, Alireza Firouzja continues to lead the points table.

The Norway Chess Women’s tournament also witnessed intense competition, with all classical games ending in draws before the winners were decided through Armageddon tie-breaks.

A closely fought battle was seen between Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun and Zhu Jiner. At one stage, Zhu Jiner held a strong position but failed to convert it into victory. She later bounced back to win the Armageddon game and secure the extra point.

The classical match between Anna Muzychuk and Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy also ended in a draw, after which Anna Muzychuk claimed victory in the Armageddon round.

Similarly, tournament leader Bibisara Assaubayeva and India’s Divya Deshmukh shared the points in their classical encounter. Divya later displayed impressive composure and skill to win the Armageddon game.

After the third round, Bibisara Assaubayeva remains at the top of the women’s standings, although Divya Deshmukh and Zhu Jiner have narrowed the gap significantly.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar