In the latest showdown at Norway Chess, Magnus Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa’s second clash ended in a draw, with Carlsen clinching victory in the Armageddon clash. Carlsen, a five-time world champion, now leads the tournament by a full point over Hikaru Nakamura.
Intense Battles and Tactical Defenses
In a thrilling match, Alireza Firouzja showcased remarkable tactical defenses, salvaging a draw against Nakamura. Despite being under pressure, Firouzja displayed exceptional resilience, making 20 consecutive top moves, according to GM David Howell.
Carlsen himself acknowledged Praggnanandhaa’s adept defense, admitting, “I didn’t get anything out of the classical game. Pragg defended well.” Despite the draw, Carlsen managed to secure victory in the Armageddon clash, crucial for maintaining his lead in the tournament.
Nakamura’s Collapse and Carlsen’s Tenacity
While Nakamura stumbled, he praised Carlsen for his ability to excel in critical moments, citing Carlsen’s past performances in pivotal matches. Nakamura noted Carlsen’s resilience, highlighting his knack for securing victories when it matters most.
Remaining Matches and Standings
With two rounds remaining, Praggnanandhaa faces tough clashes against Caruana and Nakamura. Meanwhile, Vaishali continues to chase the leaders in the women’s Norway Chess, with Ju Wenjun leading the standings.
Despite facing setbacks, Vaishali remains determined to overcome the challenges in the final rounds and make her mark in the tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion!
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