FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich has temporarily stepped aside after being included in the EU's 21st sanctions list related to Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. Deputy President Viswanathan Anand will serve as interim president, while Dvorkovich plans to legally challenge the sanctions.
In Round 7 of the Norway Chess tournament, R Praggnanandhaa secured a dominant classical win, while Divya Deshmukh won her Armageddon tie-break. World Champion D Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen also won their respective tie-breaks.
In the 2026 Norway Chess tournament, R Praggnanandhaa secured a notable classical win. D Gukesh and Magnus Carlsen, surprisingly low in standings, won their Armageddon tie-breaks. Divya Deshmukh also won her Armageddon tie-break.
Indian chess stars Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh suffered significant classical defeats in the reverse fixtures of Norway Chess. Magnus Carlsen returned to winning ways, while Koneru Humpy's struggles continued.
Divya Deshmukh defeated Koneru Humpy in an Armageddon decider at Norway Chess, while Praggnanandhaa lost to Alireza Firouzja in the open section.
Norway Chess returns to Oslo with a strong Indian contingent including D Gukesh, Divya Deshmukh, Koneru Humpy, and R Praggnanandhaa. Gukesh faces pressure before his World Championship defense, while Deshmukh is the youngest women's competitor. Humpy returns after a withdrawal, and Praggnanandhaa seeks redemption.
Koneru Humpy believes only China's Zhu Jiner has the potential for a 2600 Elo rating among women, stressing the need for continuous open section play for improvement.
