Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa scripted history at the Norway Chess tournament, defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen for the second time in the same event and becoming the first player in 19 years to achieve the feat in a classical tournament.
The 20-year-old from Chennai, who defeated Carlsen with the white pieces in the third round on May 27, repeated the feat with black in the eighth round on June 3. Praggnanandhaa had also registered a victory over the Norwegian star during the 2024 edition of Norway Chess.
The last player to defeat Carlsen twice in a single classical tournament was Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand at the Linares International Chess Tournament in 2007.
Despite the milestone, Praggnanandhaa remained focused on the title race rather than the result itself. Speaking after the match, he said winning games at this stage of the tournament was more important than defeating any particular opponent.
He also praised Carlsen’s defensive abilities, admitting he had expected the game to end in a draw before the Norwegian made a costly mistake.
Praggnanandhaa said he was pleased with his form but hoped to improve his time management in the remaining rounds.
Currently third in the standings with 12 points, he trails leader Wesley So on 14 points and second-placed Alireza Firouzja on 13.
Following a rest day, Praggnanandhaa will face reigning world champion D Gukesh before taking on Germany’s Vincent Keymer in the final round.
