Norway Chess 2026: Gukesh braves sole leader So

By admin June 2, 2026 0 comments

World Champion D Gukesh defeated the sole leader, Wesley So in Round 7 of 14th Norway Chess 2026.

Praggnanandhaa’s exquisite exchange sacrifice

Despite suffering a loss, Wesley So is still the sole leader at 12.5/21. R Praggnanandhaa bounced back with a victory over Alireza Firouzja after the former lost two Classical games in-a-row. Magnus Carlsen drew Armageddon with the black pieces to win the match against Vincent Keymer

Praggnanandhaa – Firouzja: 3-0

R Praggnanandhaa (2735) won the rematch against Alireza Firouzja (FRA, 2759). Praggnanandhaa made a nice exchange sacrifice in the endgame to gain the upper hand.

Position after 35.Ra1!

The alternative of taking the queen is actually worse for Black. So 35…Rxa1 is the best choice. 36.Qxf6 Rf8 37.Rf2 exf4 38.Qxf4 h5 39.Nd5 the knight is an absolutely dominating piece at the center of the board and there is no good way for Black to get rid of it anytime soon. It played a key role in Black earning the victory.

Interview with R Praggnanandhaa | Video: Norway Chess

R Praggnanandhaa bounces back after two Classical loses in-a-row | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Keymer – Carlsen: 1-1.5

The second Classical game between Vincent Keymer (GER, 2767) and Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2841) also ended in a draw. Carlsen drew Armageddon with the black pieces comfortably to win the match and stay in contention.

Vincent Keymer was obviously not happy with the draws | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Gukesh – So: 1.5-1

The World Champion, D Gukesh (2732) drew the Classical game against the first official World Fischer Random champion, Wesley So (USA, 2753). Gukesh played the must-win Armageddon bravely and won the game.

Interview with D Gukesh | Video: Norway Chess

World Champion D Gukesh got the better of the tournament sole leader, Wesley So | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Replay live stream

Replay Round 7 live commentary by IM Anna Rudolf, GM Aryan Tari and Simon Bélanger | Video: Norway Chess

Replay Round 7 games

Round 7 Open results

Vincent Keymer (GER) – Magnus Carlsen (NOR): 1-1.5

D Gukesh – Wesley So (USA): 1.5-1

R Praggnanandhaa – Alireza Firouzja (FRA): 3-0

Standings after Round 7

Wesley So is still the sole leader 12.5/21 | Graphic: Norway Chess

Round 8 pairings

Magnus Carlsen (NOR) – R Praggnanandhaa

Alireza Firouzja (FRA) – D Gukesh

Wesley So (USA) – Vincent Keymer (GER)

Open and Women pairings of all rounds | Graphic: Norway Chess

🎯 Read Also: Gukesh receives Titan of the Year 2026 award

Format

6 players will take part in the Tournament.

The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon.

The Tournament consists of 10 rounds.

Berger tables will be used for the pairings.

Default time is 15 minutes.

Time Control

Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.

Draw by Mutual Agreement

Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.

Armageddon

If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.