Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu defeated Alireza Firouzja in classical chess during round seven of Norway Chess 2026, tightening the race for the title. Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh Dommaraju secured additional points through Armageddon victories. In Norway Chess Women, Bibisara Assaubayeva strengthened her lead with a classical win.

Oslo (Norway), 2 June: Round seven of Norway Chess 2026 kept the pressure on in Oslo, with a decisive classical result and two tense Armageddon battles.

The headline result came when Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu defeated Alireza Firouzja in classical chess. The Indian star outplayed Firouzja in a long struggle and converted his advantage with confident technique to score a crucial victory. The result tightens the race at the top of the standings and hands Firouzja his second classical defeat of the tournament.

Carlsen Prevails In Armageddon Against Keymer

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Vincent Keymer played a hard-fought classical draw after a long encounter in which neither player could break through. Carlsen later prevailed in the Armageddon game to secure the extra points and remain within striking distance of the leaders.