FIDE's neutral flag has historically shielded chess players like Viktor Korchnoi, Alireza Firouzja, and Ian Nepomniachtchi from state-driven geopolitical conflicts, preserving their right to compete.
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja won the fourth Chennai Grand Masters title, securing 4.5 points after drawing with Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi in the final round. Reigning world champion D Gukesh had a disappointing campaign, finishing last in the elite tournament.
GM M Pranesh secured his second consecutive victory over world champion D Gukesh at the Chennai Grand Masters. GM Nihal Sarin also defeated Arjun Erigaisi, leading to GM Alireza Firouzja taking the sole lead with four points heading into the final round.
Alireza Firouzja won the Croatia Super Rapid and Blitz, while Magnus Carlsen marked 15 years as world No. 1. The article discusses Firouzja's potential in new formats, Carlsen's enduring dominance, and the historical debate comparing him to Garry Kasparov.
India's Praggnanandhaa remains in contention for the Norway Chess 2026 title, trailing leader Wesley So by 0.5 points with one round left, as the top three players (So, Praggnanandhaa, Alireza Firouzja) are separated by just one point.
Reigning World Champion D Gukesh must defeat Magnus Carlsen in the final round of Norway Chess 2026 to avoid last place, while Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja compete for the title.
Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa defeated Magnus Carlsen for the second time in two weeks at Norway Chess. Gukesh and Divya Deshmukh also faced classical defeats, while Wesley So and Bibisara Assaubayeva maintained their leads.
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.
World chess champion D Gukesh had a viral moment during Norway Chess when he failed to open a water bottle mid-game, contrasting with his intense 116-move battle against Wesley So, which ended in a draw and subsequent Armageddon loss.
Divya Deshmukh defeated Koneru Humpy in an Armageddon decider at Norway Chess, while Praggnanandhaa lost to Alireza Firouzja in the open section.
French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja played his chess match against Javokhir Sindarov from bed due to an ankle injury. The game took place in a special room at the tournament hotel in Bucharest under official supervision.
