India’s leading chess players faced a tough round 6 at Norway Chess 2026, with several stars suffering defeats against elite opposition. While the tournament has produced many memorable moments for Indian chess, the latest round brought disappointment for Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh and Koneru Humpy.
Praggnanandhaa Goes Down to Wesley So
After his impressive victory over Gukesh in the previous round, Praggnanandhaa faced Wesley So in an important encounter. The Indian grandmaster started aggressively and tried to create attacking chances on the kingside.
Pragg won a pawn and looked comfortable for much of the middlegame. However, Wesley So defended accurately and slowly improved his position. As pieces were exchanged, the game entered an endgame where So’s active pieces gave him the advantage.
Despite Pragg’s fighting efforts, Wesley So gradually took control and converted the position into a victory. It was a disappointing result for the young Indian after a strong tournament performance.
Gukesh Suffers Defeat Against Vincent Keymer
World Champion Gukesh faced German star Vincent Keymer in another crucial game. The opening remained balanced and Gukesh even managed to win a pawn during the middlegame.
For a long time, the position looked equal, but Keymer slowly increased the pressure. His rooks became very active and began creating problems for Gukesh’s defence.
As time trouble approached, Keymer’s pressure became difficult to handle. The German grandmaster eventually won material and converted his advantage to secure the full point.
Divya Deshmukh Falls to Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun
Divya Deshmukh faced one of the toughest challenges in women’s chess against reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun.
The Indian youngster played confidently in the opening and held a solid position. However, Ju Wenjun gradually built up an attack on the kingside and forced Divya onto the defensive.
Wenjun kept her pieces active and pieces created constant threats, and after several exchanges she entered a favourable endgame. Ju’s experience and technique proved decisive as she steadily converted her advantage into a win. Although the result did not go her way, Divya once again showed great fighting spirit.
Humpy Loses Armageddon Battle
Veteran Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy also suffered a setback against Bibisara Assaubayeva.
The game remained closely contested for a long time, but Assaubayeva managed to create tactical chances and put pressure on Humpy’s position. Eventually, Assaubayeva gained a decisive advantage and secured the victory.
Carlsen Strengthens His Position at the Top
Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen continued his strong campaign by defeating Alireza Firouzja. The Norwegian star slowly outplayed his opponent in a strategic battle and converted his advantage in the endgame.
The victory helped Carlsen strengthen his position near the top of the standings as the tournament entered its final stages.
In the Norway Chess Women 2026 standings, Assaubayeva leads the field with 9.5 points, while Deshmukh sits in second place on 8.5 points. Muzychuk and Wenjun are tied on 8 points, followed by Jiner with 7 points. Humpy currently has 5.5 points.
In the Open section, So leads the standings with 11.5 points, ahead of Firouzja on 10 points. Keymer is on 8 points, while Carlsen has 7.5 points. Gukesh currently stands on 6.5 points, with R Pragg close behind on 6 points.
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