R Praggnanandhaa scores first-ever classical win over Magnus Carlsen
Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, 18, won his first classical match against World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the third round of the norway Chess competition in Stavanger on Wednesday, May 29. After the historic triumph on Carlsen's home soil, the indian Grandmaster seized the lead in the open phase of the famous six-player tournament. Last year's FIDE world cup runner-up defeated Carlsen despite the odds, playing with white pieces.
R Praggnanandhaa had 5.5 out of 9 points after the third round of the norway Chess competition. Meanwhile, American Grandmaster Fabio Caruana moved up to second place after defeating GM Ding Liren on Wednesday, earning three full points. R Praggnanandhaa's sister, R Vaishali, has preserved her sole lead position in the women's section of norway Chess.
Magnus Carlsen fell to fifth place in the open part of norway Chess after making a risky opening play against Praggnanandhaa. Praggnanandhaa did not allow the opening surprise him; he remained cool and completed the task. Despite behind on the clock for the whole of the game, Praggnanandhaa defeated Carlsen with white pieces, securing three critical points.
It was a significant boost for Praggnanandhaa, who lost the world cup against Magnus Carlsen last year. Praggnanandhaa is only the fourth indian to defeat Carlsen in classical chess.
It was a significant boost for Praggnanandhaa, who lost the world cup against Magnus Carlsen last year. Praggnanandhaa is only the fourth indian to defeat Carlsen in classical chess.
In another match, GM Hikaru Nakamura defeated GM Alireza Firouzja in Armageddon, retaining third place on the table. Ding Liren, who will data-face GM D Gukesh for the World championship title later this year, was in last place after three rounds on Wednesday, with 2.5 points out of nine.