Praggnanandhaa scripts history by beating world No 1 Magnus Carlsen

NEW DELHI: Indian chess legend R Praggnanandhaa scripted history again. Praggnanandhaa created history by defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen in the eighth round of the Norway Chess 2026 being held in Oslo. This is the second time Praggnanandhaa has defeated the Norwegian legend Carlsen in the same tournament. He had earlier defeated Carlsen in the fourth round as well.

The 20-year-old Indian grandmaster had defeated Carlsen in Norway Chess 2024. Praggnanandhaa is the first Indian and one of the few in the world to defeat Magnus Carlsen thrice. He defeated the five-time champion Carlsen playing with black pieces.

Magnus walks his king into a forced checkmate and falls to a second classical loss against Praggnanandhaa in this tournament, his fourth loss overall!https://t.co/iPphAhoVcu#NorwayChess pic.twitter.com/EDVwXBhOLm

— chess24 (@chess24com) June 2, 2026

The Indian player has retained his third position with 12 points after his victory over Carlsen. Filipino player Wesley So is in the first place with 14 points. France's Alireza Firoz is in second place with 13 points.

Praggnanandhaa is preparing for the Norwegian Chess Championship with the confidence of defeating Carlsen. He pointed that although he is happy to defeat Carlsen, winning any game in the tournament is important.