Norway
Indian Grandmaster R Vaishali, in sole lead with a 2.5-point advantage, will face Tingjie Lei of China in the fifth round of the Norway Chess Tournament in Stavanger. Vaishali has earned 8.5 points from the first four rounds, ahead of women’s world champion Wenjun Ju of China and Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine.
Victories over compatriot Koneru Humpy and veteran Pia Cramling contributed to Vaishali’s lead. Despite a first-round loss under Armageddon time control to Ju, Vaishali quickly recovered. Ju has secured four victories under Armageddon, drawing four games under Classical time control.
Humpy has not performed at her best, with her notable win being over Tingjie Lei. Losses to Vaishali and Muzychuk have been setbacks. However, a single win under Classical time control could significantly alter the standings.
In the men’s section, Praggnanadhaa gained attention with his first-ever victory over world number one Magnus Carlsen of Norway in the third round. However, a subsequent loss to American Hikaru Nakamura placed him fourth in the six-player list. Praggnanadhaa has one loss and one win under both Armageddon and Classical time controls.
Nakamura leads the men’s section with seven points, half a point ahead of Frenchman Firouzja Alireza. Carlsen follows with six points, half a point ahead of Praggnanadhaa. Reigning world champion Ding Liren of China is at the bottom of the standings.
