HISTORIC! Praggnanandhaa beats World No.1 Magnus Carlsen for the first time in classical game

Indian chess prodigy R. Praggnanandhaa scripted history after defeating World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in a classical game format of the Norway Chess Tournament 2024. This match, which took place during the tournament's third round, marked Praggnanandhaa's first classical win against the Norwegian on his home turf.

Praggnanandhaa beats Magnus Carlsen classic format

Classical chess, also known as slow chess, allows players a significant amount of time to make their moves, usually at least one hour.

With this win, Praggnanandhaa took the sole lead in the tournament with 5.5/9 points in the event. Carlsen dropped down to fifth. Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa had drawn their previous three encounters in this format.

Before this encounter, Praggnanandhaa had recorded victories over Carlsen in both rapid and blitz chess formats.

Praggnandhaa’s sister R Vaishali held the top spot in the women’s competition, also with 5.5 points. She drew her game against Anna Muzychuk.

American Hikaru Nakamura, who won his Armageddon game against Alireza Firouzja of France to earn an extra half point, will face Praggnanandhaa in the fourth round.

The Norway Chess 2024 tournament, held from May 27 to June 7 at SpareBank 1 SR-Bank, features both the traditional Norway Chess tournament and the newly introduced Norway Chess Women tournament. Both tournaments follow a 6-player double round-robin format and offer equal prize funds.