Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won his first classical game against world number one Magnus Carlsen to seize the lead in the Norway Chess tournament. After three rounds, the 18-year-old Indian, who has previously beaten Carlsen in the rapid/exhibition games, claimed the lead with 5.5 points. Praggnanandhaa was playing with white pieces, and his victory moved home favourite Carlsen to fifth place in the points table. Classical chess, sometimes known as slow chess, gives players a large period of time to make their moves, typically at least an hour.
Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa had drawn their previous three matches in this format.
Praggnandhaa’s sister, R Vaishali, won the women’s tournament with 5.5 points. She drew her match with Anna Muzychuk.
In other games, world number two Fabiano Caruana of the United States defeated defending world champion Ding Liren of China. Following the loss, Liren fell to last place in the six-player field.
Hikaru Nakamura of America won his Armageddon game against Alireza Firouzja of France to earn an additional half point and finish third in the standings.
Nakamura will face Praggnanandhaa in the fourth round.
