India chess stars R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh have experienced contrasting campaigns at the ongoing Norway Chess 2026 tournament. While Praggnanandhaa has bounced back from a slow start to emerge as a strong title contender, Gukesh is battling to avoid a last-place finish in Oslo.
On Thursday, the two Indian stars faced off, with Praggnanandhaa producing a commanding performance to defeat the reigning world champion in just 34 moves. The defeat came two days after Gukesh celebrated his 20th birthday during the tournament’s first rest day on June 3.
The win also served as sweet revenge for Praggnanandhaa, who had earlier suffered a frustrating defeat to Gukesh in the fourth round after letting a winning position slip away.
“With Gukesh with white in the first game, I was just winning. I outplayed him and then I messed up in time trouble," Praggnanandhaa said after his win.
“I’m quite proud about this game honestly. Because this is how I usually lose to Gukesh. He does some weird, creative stuff. I end up overthinking and somehow doing something myself and losing," Praggnanandhaa said on the official Norway Chess broadcast. “I thought I managed my time well and I was also calculating well. I thought it was a good game overall," he added.
The victory lifted Praggnanandhaa to second place in the standings and put him firmly in the title race. Just days ago, he appeared to be struggling after back-to-back defeats, but three consecutive wins have transformed his campaign.
“Three days back I was fighting for the last spot and now, I have a chance at fighting (for the title)," Praggnanandhaa said.
A year ago, at Norway Chess 2025, Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen were locked in a closely fought battle for the title. This time, however, the pair will meet on Friday with the aim of avoiding a last-place finish.
Gukesh, currently on eight points, must defeat Carlsen (10 points) in their classical game to steer clear of the wooden spoon.
At the top of the standings, Wesley So leads with 15.5 points. Praggnanandhaa is close behind on 15 points, while Alireza Firouzja sits third with 14.5 points.
Meanwhile, Bibisara Assaubayeva sealed the women’s title with a round to spare after drawing her Round 9 classical game against Anna Muzychuk on Thursday.
Source: India Today