Praggnanand… it’s going great. | Photo Credit: Norway Chess
These are extraordinary times, it must be said. It is not often that Magnus Carlsen loses a game of classical chess. But it seems the unthinkable is happening in Norwegian chess, as the world No. 1, considered one of the greatest players of all time, has suffered four defeats so far.
It seems that R. Praggnanandhaa has got the upper hand on Carlsen, happy to beat Carlsen in the third and eighth rounds here in the classical format.
“I think it’s good to beat him in any format. But more than that, I think it’s more important to win at this stage of the tournament,” Praggnanandhaa said, responding to a question on whether beating Carlsen for the third time in the classical format seemed a normal thing or was still something worth enjoying.
Asked if the world No. 1’s aura was waning, he said that was not the case, adding, “It’s just a tournament that doesn’t go your way for some moments… I think he’s still the best.”
The Indian GM did not seem to agree that there was a changing of the guard. He said, “I mean, we’re already there. I think we’re among the best players. I don’t think there’s been… I don’t think there’s been a changing of the guard or anything. I think all this stuff is exaggerated.”
Praggnanandhaa said that he has been involved in some tough matches against Carlsen and said that he enjoyed playing with him. “I wouldn’t say I felt scared. We’ve played a lot of exciting, hard-fought games. It always brings out the best in me.”
(The author is in Oslo on the invitation of Norway Chess)
published – June 03, 2026 07:05 PM IST