Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa continued his remarkable run at Norway Chess 2026, defeating reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in the classical format to register his third consecutive classical victory. The result propelled the 20-year-old into strong title contention heading into the tournament's final round. American Grandmaster Wesley So remains the sole leader but holds only a narrow half-point advantage over Praggnanandhaa. Meanwhile, Alireza Firouzja stayed firmly in the title race after overcoming Vincent Keymer in Armageddon, setting up a dramatic final-day showdown in Oslo.
The race for the Norway Chess 2026 crown is poised for a thrilling conclusion after an action-packed penultimate round left three players with realistic chances of securing the prestigious title.
India's R. Praggnanandhaa emerged as one of the biggest winners of the day, defeating compatriot and reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in a classical encounter. The victory marked Praggnanandhaa's third straight classical win, highlighting an impressive surge in form at the business end of the tournament.
The result significantly tightened the standings, placing the Indian star just half a point behind leader Wesley So heading into the final round. Praggnanandhaa's late tournament charge has transformed him from an outside contender into one of the favorites to claim the title.
Despite the pressure from his rivals, Wesley So managed to retain sole possession of first place. However, his slim lead leaves little margin for error in the decisive final round, where every point could prove crucial.
Adding further intrigue to the championship battle, Alireza Firouzja remained within striking distance after defeating Germany's Vincent Keymer in the Armageddon tiebreak. Firouzja's result ensured that he, too, enters the final day with a realistic path to the championship.
The French-Iranian grandmaster now faces perhaps the most consequential game of the tournament, as he is set to take on leader Wesley So with the white pieces. The outcome of that encounter could directly determine who lifts the trophy.
For Indian chess fans, Praggnanandhaa's resurgence has been one of the tournament's defining stories. His ability to defeat elite opposition in successive classical games demonstrates both his growing maturity and his readiness to challenge the world's very best on the biggest stages.
With So, Praggnanandhaa, and Firouzja all still in contention, the final round promises a dramatic finish to one of the year's most competitive elite chess events. As the players return to the board in Oslo, the championship remains wide open, setting the stage for a captivating conclusion to Norway Chess 2026.
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