Norway Chess title race tightened after R. Praggnanandhaa and D. Gukesh returned to winning ways, while Divya Deshmukh strengthened her challenge with a crucial victory over Koneru Humpy.

Indian Stars Recover

Indian players staged a strong comeback in the seventh round of the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in Oslo, reversing the setbacks they suffered a day earlier. Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa secured a valuable classical victory over France’s Alireza Firouzja, while reigning world champion D. Gukesh earned points after winning his tiebreak encounter against American Grandmaster Wesley So.

The results have kept Indian hopes alive in both the Open and Women’s sections as the tournament heads into its decisive phase.

Praggnanandhaa Beats Firouzja

Playing with the white pieces, Praggnanandhaa gradually built pressure against Firouzja and gained a significant advantage around the 26th move. The Indian Grandmaster converted the position efficiently, handing the French player his second successive classical defeat.

The win earned Praggnanandhaa three points and lifted his tally to nine points overall. More importantly, it brought him back into contention in a tightly packed leaderboard where several players remain within striking distance of the top spot.

The victory also marked a timely response after his disappointing result in the previous round.

Gukesh Wins Tiebreak

World champion Gukesh came close to securing a full classical victory against Wesley So. The Indian youngster held promising chances during the game but was unable to convert them into a decisive result, with the contest ending in a draw.

However, under Norway Chess rules, drawn classical games proceed to a tiebreak. Gukesh capitalised on that opportunity, defeating So in the Armageddon format to collect 1.5 points.

The result took his tally to eight points. Although he remains near the bottom of the Open standings, the victory provided a much-needed boost after recent setbacks and keeps him mathematically in the race for a stronger finish.

Divya Continues Strong Run

In the Women’s section, Divya Deshmukh further enhanced her reputation with another important result. The young Indian player defeated compatriot Koneru Humpy in the Armageddon tiebreak after their classical game ended without a winner.

It was the second time in the tournament that Divya got the better of the experienced Indian Grandmaster. The victory moved her to 10 points and strengthened her position among the leading contenders.

Divya has been one of the standout performers of the event and continues to challenge some of the most established names in women’s chess.

Crucial Clash Ahead

The title race in the Women’s section could hinge on the next round, where Divya is scheduled to face Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva.

Bibisara maintained her lead by defeating China’s Zhu Jiner in a classical game, taking her tally to 12.5 points. Divya remains second on 10 points, making their upcoming encounter one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.

A positive result for the Indian player could significantly narrow the gap at the top and reshape the championship battle.

Open Standings Tighten

Despite losing the tiebreak to Gukesh, Wesley So continues to lead the Open category with 12.5 points. Firouzja occupies second place with 10 points despite his defeat to Praggnanandhaa.

Praggnanandhaa now shares third place with tournament favourite Magnus Carlsen and Germany’s Vincent Keymer, all tied on nine points. With several rounds still to be played, the standings remain highly competitive.

Race Enters Final Stretch

As Norway Chess moves into its closing stages, Indian players remain firmly involved in both title races. Praggnanandhaa’s classical win has revived his challenge in the Open section, while Divya’s consistent performances have placed her within touching distance of the Women’s lead.

The next round, particularly Divya’s showdown with Bibisara Assaubayeva, could prove decisive in determining how the Norway Chess championship unfolds.