Carlsen Beats Gukesh in Round 4 of Norway Chess
OSLO, Norway — Magnus Carlsen defeated reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the fourth round of Norway Chess, giving the world No. 1 an important classical win after a slow start to the tournament.
Playing with the black pieces, Carlsen gradually outplayed Gukesh in a complex game that stayed balanced for much of the contest. The Norwegian star seized his chance in the middlegame, increasing the pressure as Gukesh fell into time trouble.
Gukesh was unable to hold the position, allowing Carlsen to convert his advantage and secure a key victory in front of the home crowd.
The win gave Carlsen valuable points in the standings as he looks to climb back into contention.
The other two games in the open section ended in classical draws after hard-fought battles.
Wesley So and Alireza Firouzja played a strategic game that neither player was able to break open. So later won the Armageddon game to claim the additional points.
Vincent Keymer and Praggnanandhaa played a balanced contest with chances for both sides before agreeing to a draw. Praggnanandhaa went on to win the Armageddon game, earning valuable additional points.
After four rounds, Firouzja remained in the tournament lead, while Carlsen’s victory strengthened his position in the standings.
In the Norway Chess Women tournament, all three classical games ended in draws before being decided in Armageddon.
Koneru Humpy and Zhu Jiner drew after a tense game in which neither player established a lasting advantage. Zhu later won the Armageddon game to collect the additional points.
World champion Ju Wenjun and Bibisara Assaubayeva also drew their classical game. Assaubayeva had a slight advantage in several positions, but Ju defended accurately to maintain the balance. Assaubayeva then won the Armageddon game to add to her total.
Divya Deshmukh and Anna Muzychuk also battled to a draw after a complex struggle. Divya held the advantage through much of the middlegame and pressed for a win, but Muzychuk defended well and forced a draw. Muzychuk then won the Armageddon game to secure additional points.
Following the fourth round, Assaubayeva continued to lead Norway Chess Women, with Muzychuk, Divya and Zhu still within striking distance. (Source: IANS)
