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Key Points

In a thrilling turn of events at the Norway Chess 2025, D Gukesh achieved his first classical victory against former world number one, Magnus Carlsen. Although Carlsen had the advantage for much of the match, Gukesh's perseverance resulted in a comeback win. Carlsen, who expressed admiration for Gukesh's fighting spirit, acknowledged the young champion's ability to capitalize on key opportunities. This victory places Gukesh just behind Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana in the tournament standings.

Key Points: Magnus Carlsen Praises D Gukesh's Victory in Norway Chess

  • Gukesh's first classical win over Carlsen
  • Carlsen's praise for Gukesh's fighting spirit
  • Gukesh climbs to third in Norway Chess standings
2 min read

Former world number 1 Magnus Carlsen hails world champion D Gukesh for his fighting spirit

Magnus Carlsen applauds D Gukesh's fighting spirit after his remarkable win in Norway Chess 2025.

"He was there to take his chance, and he deserves credit for that. - Magnus Carlsen"

Stavanger June 2

The five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen hailed the reigning world champion D Gukesh for his "fighting spirit" and praised him for capitalising on the opportunity during their encounter in the ongoing Norway Chess 2025.

Gukesh pulled off a stunning victory against the former world number one in Round 6 of the tournament, turning the game around from a losing position on Sunday. The victory marked Gukesh's first-ever classical win over the Norwegian grandmaster.

Carlsen had an upper hand over Gukesh for most of the match, but in the end, he couldn't control his nerves, and the teenager turned the tables around and went on to win the match.

"I think like I remember being at that age myself. Sometimes our energy and fighting qualities is bigger than the quality of your moves. So for a long time, he was more or less blindly pushing, and then on a normal day, I won that game, and things work quite differently. The thing he does well is he really fights very well. He was there to take his chance, and he deserves credit for that, but that's the kind of chance that I really have to put away; otherwise, I have no chance," Magnus Carlsen told ANI after his win over Hikaru Nakamura on Monday.

The 19-year-old world champion also became the second Indian player to beat Carlsen in the competition's history after grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Following the win, Gukesh had jumped to third spot in the Norway Chess 2025 points table with 8.5 points, and now he is just one point behind Carlsen and American Fabiano Caruana.

During their first encounter on May 27, the marquee clash of Round One at Norway Chess 2025 lived up to expectations as Carlsen launched a classic king hunt to defeat reigning World Champion D Gukesh in a thrilling encounter.

This was their first classical match since Gukesh won the world title, and it also marked Carlsen's return to individual classical chess after nearly a year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
What a proud moment for Indian chess! 🇮🇳 Gukesh showed real grit to turn around a losing position against the mighty Carlsen. Our young grandmasters are proving that India is now a chess superpower. First Pragg, now Gukesh - the future looks bright!
P
Priya M.
Carlsen's praise means a lot coming from the GOAT of chess. But I wish our media wouldn't hype every win/loss so much. Chess is about consistency over time. That said, Gukesh's mental strength at just 19 is remarkable - most players would crumble against Carlsen's pressure.
A
Amit S.
The way Gukesh capitalised on Carlsen's mistake shows why he's world champion. In chess, like in life, you have to be ready when opportunity knocks! � Our Chennai chess factory keeps producing these gems. Next target - the World No. 1 ranking!
N
Neha T.
As a chess mom, I'm so inspired by Gukesh's journey. My son started chess after seeing his games. But we need more government support for chess academies beyond Chennai. Every small town in India has talented kids who need proper coaching infrastructure.
V
Vikram J.
The real test will be if Gukesh can maintain this level consistently. Remember when Anand beat Kasparov? That was the start of something big. Hope Gukesh gets the same longevity at the top. Chess is brutal - today's hero can be tomorrow's struggler. Wishing him the best!

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