NEW DELHI: Magnus Carlsen reaffirmed his supremacy in the chess world by winning a record-extending seventh Norway Chess title after a tense final round in Stavanger. Despite intense pressure and a tough final opponent in Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, Carlsen’s strategic draw in classical play secured his victory with 16 points overall.
Facing Erigaisi with the black pieces, Carlsen needed at least a draw to clinch the title. Under severe time pressure, he played resourcefully and opted for a threefold repetition in a promising position. Though he lost the ensuing Armageddon tiebreak, the classical draw was enough to seal the championship.
“I had to fight for my life,” said Carlsen, admitting the nerves following a critical earlier loss to World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh. “It’s not a positive memory and it’s still in my head,” he confessed after the match.
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Carlsen finished the tournament ahead of Fabiano Caruana (15.5 points), who defeated Gukesh in a dramatic attacking game to claim second place. Gukesh, despite a strong tournament, slipped to third with 14.5 points after the loss.
Muzychuk Triumphs in Women’s Event
In the women’s section, Ukrainian Grandmaster Anna Muzychuk claimed the Norway Chess Women 2025 title with 16.5 points, remaining unbeaten in all classical games. In the final round, she drew her classical game with India’s Vaishali Rameshbabu and lost the Armageddon tiebreak, but her lead was enough to secure the championship.
China’s Lei Tingjie delivered a clutch performance in the final round, defeating Sarasadat Khademalsharieh with the black pieces to leap into second place with 16 points. Indian star Humpy Koneru, who had been in contention for second, won her Armageddon game against Ju Wenjun but was pushed to third with 15 points.
Muzychuk’s consistent, high-level play throughout the tournament highlighted her resilience and experience. Her title run, along with the strong showings from Tingjie and Koneru, reflects the growing depth and intensity of competition in women’s chess.
The 2025 edition of Norway Chess once again delivered on its reputation for world-class competition, nerve-wracking finales, and elite performances—cementing its place as one of the most prestigious events on the global chess calendar.
