New Delhi, India

Indian Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa lost to world number one Magnus Carlsen in the reverse fixture during the seventh round of the ongoing Norway Chess 2024 tournament, in Stavanger, on Tuesday (June 4). Carlsen managed to topple Praggnanandhaa in the Armageddon tiebreaker after the two players settled for a draw in their classical game at the premier tournament. 

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The result serves as a big win for Carlsen, who lost to the Indian young sensation in their earlier clash in the tournament. He also took a one-point sole lead in the open section of Norway Chess. 

With the win, Carlsen also extended his tally to an incredible 14.5 out of 15 with White in Norway Chess. Both players mixed aggression with caution and gave a tough fight. However, the turning point proved to be when the Norwegian showcased his class with White in Armageddon tie-breaker. Praggnanandhaa put up a valiant fight and came very close to equalising, nonetheless, it wasn't enough as local favourite Carlsen got the job done and took 1.5 points from the match.

Also read: Norway Chess: R Praggnanandhaa's fine form continues, stuns world champion Ding Liren in Round 7

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For Praggnanandhaa, the result jolted his incredible run in the tournament, having already beaten Carlsen, world number two Fabiano Caruana and world champion Ding Liren.

HERE ARE THE OVERALL STANDINGS IN OPEN SECTION AFTER ROUND 8

1. Magnus Carlsen - 14.5

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2. Hikaru Nakamura - 13.5

3. R Praggnanandhaa 12

4. Alireza Firoujza 11

5. Fabiano Caruana - 9

6. Ding Liren - 4.5

Thus, Praggnanandhaa remains in the third spot but will face another stiff challenge when he will be up against Caruana for the second time in the competition, on June 6 (Thursday). After a loss, it will be interesting to see how the 18-year-old Indian GM responds against Caruana, who will also be eager to settle scores against the Indian star.