Norway Chess: Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa lose as Divya continues her winning run

Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa endured disappointing Armageddon defeats on a dramatic second day at Norway Chess, while Divya Deshmukh continued her impressive run in the women’s section.

World champion Gukesh looked set for victory against Wesley So after dominating large parts of a gruelling 116-move classical game. However, the American escaped with a draw before completely outplaying the Indian in Armageddon to secure 1.5 points. Despite the defeat, Gukesh remained joint second with So on 2.5 points.

Praggnanandhaa also endured a disappointing outing against in-form Frenchman Alireza Firouzja, who surged to the top of the standings with six points after consecutive wins. The Indian appeared to hold the advantage early in the classical game, but Firouzja fought back brilliantly despite playing through pain from an ankle injury. Using crutches and wearing a protective moon boot, the French star overturned the position and then finished strongly.

“I’m trying to play chess. I have a lot of pain, but it keeps me focused,” Firouzja said after the win as quoted by PTI.

Defending champion Magnus Carlsen finally opened his account after another tense battle against Germany’s Vincent Keymer. The Norwegian let promising positions slip in the classical game before recovering to win the Armageddon tiebreak and move to 1.5 points alongside Praggnanandhaa.

DIVYA CONTINUES HER MARCH

In the women’s section, Divya Deshmukh continued her fine run by defeating veteran compatriot Koneru Humpy in Armageddon. The teenager, making her Norway Chess debut, climbed to joint second with three points after another confident display.

Divya said she was enjoying the tournament’s unique Armageddon format as well as the ‘Confession Room’, where players share thoughts during games.

“I’m having a lot of fun with the Armageddon games here. It helps me talk through my ideas and calculate better,” she said.

Kazakhstan’s Bibisara Assaubayeva strengthened her lead with 4.5 points after defeating Zhu Jiner in Armageddon, while defending champion Anna Muzychuk overcame women’s world champion Ju Wenjun in another tiebreak thriller.

Standings after Round 2 (Open): Firouzja 6; Wesley So, Gukesh 2.5; Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa 1.5.

Women: Bibisara Assaubayeva 4.5; Divya Deshmukh 3; Anna Muzychuk, Zhu Jiner 2.5; Ju Wenjun 2; Koneru Humpy 1.

– Ends

SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA