Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa Beats Carlsen, Firouzja Extends Lead Top After Round 3

Indian grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in classical play during round three of Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo. The Indian star gained a strong position early. Carlsen turned the tables in time trouble. He then blundered under pressure. Carlsen resigned immediately.

World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju faced tournament leader Alireza Firouzja. Their classical game was tense and balanced. The game ended in a draw. Firouzja then won the Armageddon decider. He secured extra points. Firouzja stays top of the Norway Chess 2026 standings after three rounds.

Vincent Keymer and Wesley So played another balanced classical game. Neither player gained a decisive edge. The game finished as a draw. So then prevailed in the Armageddon game. He collected the additional points on offer. Both remain in contention after the third round.

Norway Chess Women again saw three closely fought classical games. All ended in draws before Armageddon deciders. Each match featured chances for both sides. The tie-break format once more decided every mini-match. Extra points went to the Armageddon winners in Oslo.

Zhu Jiner Beats Ju Wenjun In Armageddon

Reigning Women's World Champion Ju Wenjun faced Zhu Jiner. Zhu held a promising advantage in classical play. She could not convert the edge. The game finished drawn. Zhu then won the Armageddon game. She gained the extra points and narrowed the gap.

Anna Muzychuk played Humpy Koneru in another balanced clash. Their classical game remained even throughout. Neither player created winning chances. The game ended in a draw. Muzychuk then prevailed in the Armageddon decider. She took the extra points in Norway Chess Women round three.

Bibisara Assaubayeva met Divya Deshmukh in a sharp game. Their classical encounter was complicated and tense. Both players defended resourcefully. They finally split the point. Divya then won the Armageddon game. She earned extra points while Assaubayeva kept the overall lead.

Norway Chess 2026: Schedule

Norway Chess 2026 runs from 25 May to 5 June in Oslo. The event features Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women. Both are 6-player double round-robin events. Prize funds are equal in both tournaments. When classical games are drawn, Armageddon tie-breaks decide extra points.