Praggnanandhaa has entered the final round of a three-way battle for the Norway Chess round.

Praggnanandhaa has added one more victory to his list. The chess master has defeated the chess champion, Gukesh.  In a classical game, he aims to earn three full points and put himself in the hunt to become the first Indian chess player to win the prestigious tournament.

Now, one round remains, and it has already secured second place with 15 points, right after American GM Wesley. In Oslo, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has put himself firmly in contention for the Norway Chess title after a commanding classical victory over compatriot D Gukesh, which moved him to within half a point of leader Wesley So of the USA, setting up an intriguing final-round battle here.

The tournament might barely have asked for a more histrionic finish, with France’s Alireza Firouzja also in title contention on 14.5 points in third place, parting three players with an accurate shot at the title heading into the final round. Significantly, whoever emerges victorious on Friday will be crowned Norway Chess champion for the first time.

Playing black, Praggnanandhaa came armed with the striving Nimzo-Indian Samisch Variation and sprang a wonder on Gukesh. The game shadowed an even course through the opening before Praggnanandhaa presented a renewed idea on move 14.

Gukesh’s reply turned out to be a pivotal mistake, allowing Praggnanandhaa to win a rook and wrest comprehensive switch of the position.

Up till now, the game was far from actuality forthright. Gukesh excavated in and boxed persistently, creating practical chances and, for a short time, even stimulating hopes of a comeback. Having let a winning position against the world champion slip away in their earlier meeting amid a time scramble, Praggnanandhaa was determined not to repeat the mistake.

Consequently, on 15.5 points, Praggnanandhaa on 15 and Firouzja on 14.5, all three endure in contention and are probably to drive for victory rather than settle down for safety.