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Norway Chess 2026: Praggnanandhaa beats Firouzja as Wesley So retains lead
The battle for the Norway Chess 2026 title took another dramatic turn in Round Seven as Indian Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu delivered one of the standout performances of the tournament, defeating Alireza Firouzja in a crucial classical encounter that reshaped the leaderboard.
With the competition entering its decisive stages in Oslo, every point is proving vital, and Praggnanandhaa’s victory could have major implications for the title race.
Praggnanandhaa delivers statement victory
Facing one of the tournament favourites, Praggnanandhaa displayed remarkable composure and precision throughout a lengthy battle against Firouzja. After gradually building an advantage, the Indian star converted his position with impressive technique, securing a full classical win and three valuable points.
The defeat marks Firouzja’s second classical loss of the tournament and significantly tightens the race at the top.
For Praggnanandhaa, the result keeps him firmly in contention and reinforces his growing reputation as one of the most dangerous competitors on the global chess circuit.
Carlsen stays within reach
Home favourite and World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen remained firmly in the hunt after drawing his classical game against Vincent Keymer.
The Norwegian star was unable to find a breakthrough during the regular encounter, but once again demonstrated his trademark fighting spirit in the Armageddon playoff. Carlsen emerged victorious in the tiebreak, collecting the additional points needed to stay within striking distance of the tournament leader.
With several rounds still to play, Carlsen remains a serious threat as he seeks another Norway Chess title on home soil.
Gukesh claims Armageddon success
The clash between reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju and tournament leader Wesley So also went the distance.
After an intense and closely balanced classical game ended in a draw, the players headed into Armageddon, where Gukesh emerged victorious. While So missed out on the extra points, he did enough to retain his place at the top of the standings.
Standings after round seven
Despite the setback, Wesley So continues to lead the tournament with 12.5 points.
Current standings:
- Wesley So – 12.5 points
- Alireza Firouzja – 10 points
- Magnus Carlsen – 9 points
- Vincent Keymer – 9 points
- Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu – 9 points
With only a handful of rounds remaining, the fight for the title remains wide open.
Assaubayeva strengthens grip on women’s tournament
The women’s tournament also produced a pivotal round, with Bibisara Assaubayeva taking a major step towards the title.
Playing with the white pieces against Zhu Jiner, the Kazakh star seized control after a complex middlegame and converted her advantage with confidence. The classical victory earned her the full three points and extended her lead at the top of the standings.
Divya Deshmukh keeps pressure on
Indian talent Divya Deshmukh continued her impressive campaign despite drawing her classical game against Humpy Koneru.
The youngster bounced back strongly in Armageddon, defeating Koneru with the black pieces to secure the additional points and maintain her position as Assaubayeva’s closest challenger.
Muzychuk remains in contention
Another key battle saw Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun face Anna Muzychuk.
After a hard-fought classical draw, Muzychuk claimed victory in the Armageddon playoff, collecting crucial points that keep her firmly in the title race heading into the final rounds.
Norway Chess women’s standings
Following Round Seven:
- Bibisara Assaubayeva – 12.5 points
- Divya Deshmukh – 10 points
- Anna Muzychuk – 9.5 points
A thrilling finish awaits
As Norway Chess 2026 enters its closing stages, both tournaments remain finely poised. While Wesley So continues to lead the open event, challengers led by Carlsen and Praggnanandhaa are closing in.
Meanwhile, Assaubayeva has strengthened her grip on the women’s competition, but with Divya Deshmukh and Anna Muzychuk still within reach, the race for the title is far from over.
With every draw leading to high-stakes Armageddon battles and every point carrying enormous significance, fans can expect even more drama before the champions are crowned in Oslo.
Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.
Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.
The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.
According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.
His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.
The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tributes after desert tragedy
Tributes poured in after the deaths.
Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.
Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
Chelsea connection
Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.
The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.
After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.
He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.
(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)
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