Pragg Strikes Again To Defeat Carlsen; Eyeing Historic First Norway Chess Title

R Praggnanandhaa delivered another statement victory at Norway Chess 2026, defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in classical chess for the second time this year and throwing the title race wide open with just two rounds remaining.

The 20-year-old Indian Grandmaster produced a composed and clinical performance to overcome the hometown favourite in Stavanger on Tuesday, becoming the only player to beat Carlsen twice in classical games in 2026.

The result lifted Praggnanandhaa to 12 points and third place in the standings, keeping alive his hopes of becoming the first Indian player to win the prestigious Norway Chess title.

🇮🇳 Pragg does it again and again and again 😱🔥#NorwayChess pic.twitter.com/kF8xA9Xj1V

— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) June 2,

2026

For Carlsen, the defeat was another painful setback in what has been a surprisingly difficult tournament.

The defending champion has now suffered four classical losses, two of them against Praggnanandhaa, and his pursuit of a record-extending eighth Norway Chess crown is hanging by a thread.

With only two rounds left to play, Carlsen finds himself under immense pressure and in danger of missing out on the title at his home event.

Wesley So Still Leads

While Praggnanandhaa strengthened his challenge, American Grandmaster Wesley So tightened his grip on top spot. So defeated Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the Armageddon tie-break to move to 14 points and maintain his lead in the standings.

France’s Alireza Firouzja climbed into sole second place on 13 points after defeating reigning world champion D Gukesh in their classical encounter.

The loss all but ended Gukesh’s hopes of winning the tournament. Stuck on eight points, the Indian can reach a maximum of 14 points even if he wins both of his remaining classical games, a tally that may still fall short in the race for the title.

It was Gukesh’s third classical defeat of the event, a disappointing campaign for the world champion as he continues balancing elite tournament commitments ahead of his title defence later this year against Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov.

For Praggnanandhaa, however, the momentum is building at exactly the right time.

(with PTI inputs)