Norway Chess 2026: R Praggnanandhaa stuns Magnus Carlsen in dramatic classical game

Round three of Norway Chess 2026 produced a major upset as India’s Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa defeated World No. 1. Magnus Carlsen in classical chess after a dramatic and error-filled time scramble finish.

Praggnanandhaa had gradually outplayed Carlsen in a long, strategic battle and appeared to be in control for most of the game. However, the momentum shifted in severe time pressure, where Carlsen briefly turned the tables. In a stunning twist, the Norwegian then blundered under pressure and immediately resigned, handing the Indian teenager a landmark victory.

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The result marks one of Praggnanandhaa’s biggest classical wins of his career and adds further intensity to a tournament already defined by high-level tactical battles.

World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh also featured in a tense round, drawing his classical game against Alireza Firouzja. Firouzja later edged the Armageddon decider to take additional points and continue his strong run at the top of the standings.

Elsewhere, Vincent Keymer and Wesley So played out another balanced draw in classical chess before So secured the Armageddon win to claim bonus points.

After three rounds, Firouzja remains the tournament leader following another consistent day of results.

Also Read: Indian stars D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Divya shine with Armageddon wins at Norway Chess

Norway Chess Women: Armageddon decides all boards again

The women’s section once again saw all classical games end in draws before Armageddon tiebreaks determined the winners.

World Champion Ju Wenjun played out a tense draw against Zhu Jiner, who later converted in Armageddon after holding a better position earlier in the classical game.

India’s Humpy Koneru also drew her classical game against Anna Muzychuk, before Muzychuk won the Armageddon decider.

In the final game, Bibisara Assaubayeva and Divya Deshmukh split the point in classical chess, with Divya later winning the Armageddon clash to secure extra points.

Assaubayeva continues to lead the standings, although both Zhu Jiner and Divya Deshmukh have closed the gap after strong Armageddon performances.