Norway Chess: Wesley So takes lead as Carlsen, Keymer secure key wins
Oslo, June 1
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen secured a crucial win over tournament leader Alireza Firouzja, tightening the standings after round six of the ongoing Norway Chess.
Playing with the white pieces, Carlsen steadily built pressure in a tense strategic battle before converting his advantage in the endgame. The victory narrows the gap at the top and marks Firouzja's first classical defeat of the tournament.
Wesley So secured a crucial win over Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa in a hard-fought encounter, handling the complications with confidence before converting his advantage in the endgame to take full points. The victory propelled the American grandmaster to the top of the standings.
In another decisive result, Vincent Keymer defeated reigning World Champion D Gukesh, maintaining the initiative for much of the game and capitalising on his chances to secure a statement win.
Following round six, Wesley So leads the Norway Chess standings, with Alireza Firouzja close behind as the race for first place remains wide open. In the women's section, Bibisara Assaubayeva has taken sole leadership at Norway Chess Women.
Norway Chess Women delivered another tense round in Oslo, featuring one decisive classical result and two Armageddon deciders.
Reigning Women's World Champion Ju Wenjun claimed the only classical win of the day, defeating Divya Deshmukh in a hard-fought battle. Ju gradually improved her position and converted her advantage in the endgame to secure an important victory.
Bibisara Assaubayeva and Humpy Koneru played out a closely contested classical draw before Assaubayeva triumphed in the Armageddon tiebreak to collect the extra points and reclaim sole leadership.
In another balanced encounter, Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner shared the spoils in classical play, with Zhu Jiner later winning the Armageddon game to secure additional points.
After six rounds, Assaubayeva leads the Norway Chess Women standings with 9.5 points. Divya Deshmukh is second on 8.5, while Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk are tied for third with 8 points each.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Waah! Wesley So is on fire 🔥 He handled Praggnanandhaa beautifully. But I'm more concerned about our Indian youngsters - Pragg and Gukesh need to work on their endgames. Still, proud of them both. It's great to see Indians competing at this level!
Carlsen showing why he's still the world's best. That win over Firouzja was pure class. And Wesley So is playing some beautiful chess lately - he could be a real contender for the next Candidates. Gukesh and Pragg need to regroup but they have bright futures.
Ladies section is quite exciting too! Bibisara Assaubayeva leading the pack, and Ju Wenjun back in form. But a bit disappointed for Divya Deshmukh - she had a great start but the classical defeat to Ju Wenjun today hurts. Still, she's in second place and learning with each game. Go girl! 🙌
Keymer is such an exciting young talent! Beating the world champion is huge for his confidence. And Wesley So just keeps grinding - he's so consistent. Hoping Firouzja can bounce back from today's loss to Carlsen. This tournament is getting tight!
Tough day for our Indian players in the open section - both Gukesh and Pragg lost. But look at it this way, they are playing against the best in the world and holding their own. Divya Deshmukh in the women's section is doing brilliantly at 2nd place. Indian chess truly has arrived! 🎉 Just one small feedback - Gukesh needs to avoid getting into time trouble against such strong opponents.