Praggnanandhaa… great going.
| Photo Credit: Norway Chess
These are extraordinary times, it should be said. It is not often that Magnus Carlsen loses a classical chess game. But the unthinkable seems to be playing out at Norway Chess, as the World No. 1, considered one of the greatest ever, has suffered four defeats thus far.
R. Praggnanandhaa, who seems to have the wood over Carlsen, was delighted to have beaten the latter in the classical format here in the third and eighth rounds.
“I think beating him in any format is good. But more than that, I think winning at this stage of the tournament is more important,” said Praggnanandhaa, responding to a question on whether beating Carlsen a third time in the classical format felt like a normal thing or was still something to savour.
Asked if the World No. 1’s aura was waning, he said it was not so, and added, “It’s just one tournament that, like, for a few moments doesn’t go your way… I think he’s still the best.”
The Indian GM didn’t seem to agree that there was a change of guard. “I mean, we are already there. I think we are among the best players. I don’t think there is… I don’t think there is a change of guard or anything. All these things, I think, are exaggerated,” he added.
Praggnanandhaa said he has been involved in some well-contested matches against Carlsen and added that he enjoyed playing him. “I wouldn’t say I felt intimidated. We have had a lot of exciting, fighting games. It always brings out the best in me.”
(The writer is in Oslo at the invitation of Norway Chess)
Published – June 03, 2026 07:05 pm IST
