Indian Chess Players Win Big in Norway Round 7

Indian chess players like R. Praggnanandhaa and D. Gukesh had strong wins in Round 7 of Norway Chess. Divya Deshmukh is now a top contender in the women's section.
By Newsroom | Sports, Chess |

Round 7 saw a notable uptick for Indian players R. Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, and Divya Deshmukh, with victories solidifying their presence in the ongoing Norway Chess tournament. Praggnanandhaa secured a classical win against Alireza Firouzja, marking his second consecutive defeat of the French player in that format. Simultaneously, World Champion D. Gukesh achieved a crucial tie-break victory over Wesley So, after their classical game ended in a draw. In the women's section, Divya Deshmukh continued her assertive performance, defeating compatriot Koneru Humpy in an Armageddon playoff.

Norway Chess: Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh register wins - 1

The performances in Round 7 appear to have significantly reshaped individual standings and reignited hopes for the Indian contingent, particularly Divya Deshmukh, who is now positioned as a strong contender for the lead. These wins underscore the competitive depth of the Indian players against established international figures.

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Norway Chess: Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh register wins - 2

Open Section Dynamics

R. Praggnanandhaa's classical victory over Alireza Firouzja propels his score to 9 points, offering a substantial boost to his campaign. This win against a player who had previously held a strong position highlights Praggnanandhaa's resilience. Meanwhile, D. Gukesh, despite a crucial tie-break win against tournament leader Wesley So (who holds 12.5 points), currently sits at 8 points, indicating a complex scoring structure within the tournament where tie-break wins contribute 1.5 points. His classical game against So ended as a draw.

Norway Chess: Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh register wins - 3

Women's Section Highlights

Divya Deshmukh has emerged as a prominent force in the women's event, reaching 10 points following her Armageddon victory over Koneru Humpy. This positions her firmly in contention, identified as the primary challenger to the current leader, Bibisara Assaubayeva, who has accumulated 12.5 points. Deshmukh's win in an all-Indian clash underscores her current form. Other notable results in the women's field include Anna Muzychuk's win over Ju Wenjun, and Bibisara Assaubayeva extending her lead with a victory over Zhu Jiner.

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Norway Chess: Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh register wins - 4

Background and Previous Rounds

Earlier rounds have presented a mixed picture for the Indian players. D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa have experienced setbacks, including Armageddon defeats, illustrating the tournament's demanding format where hesitation can prove costly. In one instance, Gukesh narrowly defeated Praggnanandhaa in a classical game, reviving their respective title hopes. The tournament's structure, particularly the use of Armageddon tie-breaks, consistently introduces an element of dramatic uncertainty. Early in the competition, Alireza Firouzja had established a strong lead in the open section, while Bibisara Assaubayeva led the women's standings. Magnus Carlsen's performance has also been noted as underwhelming in certain rounds, affecting his standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won in Round 7 of Norway Chess?
R. Praggnanandhaa won his classical game, D. Gukesh won a tie-break, and Divya Deshmukh won her Armageddon match. These wins are important for their tournament progress.
Q: What was R. Praggnanandhaa's score after Round 7?
R. Praggnanandhaa now has 9 points after his classical win against Alireza Firouzja. This win helps his position in the open section.
Q: How did D. Gukesh perform in Round 7?
D. Gukesh won a tie-break against Wesley So, earning 1.5 points. His classical game ended in a draw. He has 8 points in the open section.
Q: What is Divya Deshmukh's status in the women's section?
Divya Deshmukh reached 10 points after defeating Koneru Humpy. She is now a strong challenger to the leader, Bibisara Assaubayeva, who has 12.5 points.
Q: Why are the tie-breaks important in Norway Chess?
Tie-breaks, like Armageddon games, decide the winner when classical games are drawn. They add extra points and create exciting finishes, affecting the final standings.