The drama unfolded on a wild day at the Norway Chess tournament, showcasing the unpredictability and intensity of the game.
In a stunning turn of events, 18-year-old Praggnanandhaa, who had claimed a significant victory against Magnus Carlsen, faced defeat at the hands of World №3 Hikaru Nakamura. Despite putting up a resilient fight, Pragg eventually succumbed to a checkmate, relinquishing the lead he had held.
What added intrigue to the game was Nakamura’s candid confessions during the match, expressing boredom and frustration at the prolonged duration. Meanwhile, Praggnanandhaa reflected on his missed opportunities, acknowledging his opponent’s superior strategy.
In the women’s section, Vaishali secured her second consecutive win, establishing herself as a frontrunner as the tournament headed into its first rest day.
The spotlight then shifted to the clash between Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, with Carlsen aiming to maintain his world no. 1 position. Despite Caruana’s formidable challenge, Carlsen emerged victorious, albeit with a stroke of luck as Caruana made a crucial blunder in the final moments.
While Carlsen retained his dominance, Ding Liren, the reigning world champion, suffered another setback, conceding a resounding defeat to Alireza Firouzja. Ding’s consecutive losses have raised concerns about his form, leaving him trailing behind in the rankings.
As the tournament progresses, the players brace themselves for the challenges ahead, with Round five set to commence after the first rest day. Stay tuned for more thrilling encounters as the Norway Chess tournament unfolds its next chapter.