Norway Chess 2026: Tough day for India as Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh and Praggnanandhaa lose
(Courtesy : Norway Chess)
Divya’s defeat pushed her further behind at second place
Round six of Norway Chess 2026 produced another dramatic day of chess in Oslo, with all three games in the tournament ending decisively.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen scored an important victory against tournament leader Alireza Firouzja. Playing with the white pieces, Carlsen gradually increased the pressure in a tense strategic battle before converting his advantage in the later stages.
The win brings the Norwegian star closer to the leaders and hands Firouzja his first classical defeat of the tournament.
Wesley So claimed a crucial victory over Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu in a long encounter. So handled the complications confidently and converted his chances in the endgame to secure the full three points. The victory moves the American grandmaster into the top of the standings.
The third decisive result came when Vincent Keymer defeated reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju. Keymer maintained the initiative for much of the game and capitalized on his opportunities to score a valuable victory against the World Champion.
Following round six, Wesley So leads Norway Chess, with Alireza Firouzja remaining close behind as the battle for first place remains wide open.
Bibisara Assaubayeva takes sole lead at Norway Chess Women
Norway Chess Women delivered another tense round in Oslo, featuring one decisive classical result and two Armageddon deciders.
Reigning Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun scored the only classical victory of the day, defeating Divya Deshmukh in a long struggle. Ju gradually improved her position and converted her advantage in the endgame to secure an important win.
Bibisara Assaubayeva and Humpy Koneru ended their classical game in a draw after a closely contested battle. Assaubayeva later prevailed in the Armageddon game, earning the valuable extra points and reclaiming sole possession of first place.
Anna Muzychuk and Zhu Jiner also ended in a draw after a balanced encounter. Zhu Jiner went on to win the Armageddon game, securing the additional points.
Following round six, Bibisara Assaubayeva takes back the lead at Norway Chess Women with 9.5 points. Divya Deshmukh follows with 8.5 points, while Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk share third place with 8 points.
Who leads the standings in men’s division after round 6 at Norway Chess 2026?
Wesley So has extended his lead to 11.5 points, followed by Alireza Firouzja (10 points) and Vincent Keymer (8) at second and third respectively.
Who leads the standings in women’s division after round 6 at Norway Chess 2026?
After her Armageddon game win over Humpy Koneru, Bibisara Assaubayeva has taken back the lead with 9.5 points. Divya Deshmukh is at second with 8.5 points followed by reigning World Champion Ju Wenjun (8) at third.
How has Indian players performed so far in the men’s division at Norway Chess 2026?
Reigning World Champion Gukesh D and compatriot R Praggnanandhaa occupy the last two spots in the standings with 6.5 and 6 points respectively.
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Alex graduated in mass communication in 2016 and has been covering global sports for Khel Now since then. He is covering sports tech, igaming, sports betting and casino domain from 2017.