Magnus Carlsen defeated reigning world champion D Gukesh in Round 4 of Norway Chess, on Thursday. It was Carlsen's first classical win in the tournament this year. Carlsen also avenged his defeat to Gukesh at the same tournament last year, which led to a viral, controversial moment.
D Gukesh lost to Magnus Carlsen. (X)
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After Carlsen lost to Gukesh last year, the World No. 1 slammed the table in anger, and it became a viral meme. Gukesh had beaten Carlsen for the first time in his career in Round 6 last year, coming out on top in 62 moves with white pieces.
During the pre-tournament media interaction this year, Gukesh opened up on the table slam moment. "In most sports, it’s the bare minimum the players would do. I mean, players in other sports get into physical fights. But in chess, people are generally composed, even though there’s obviously a lot going on inside. We are generally taught not to react. We play in these suits and it’s a gentleman’s game. So I guess I understand why the reaction was so viral. But I feel like everybody has this emotion inside when they are playing a game. And it’s nice to see them finally expressing it," he said.
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"Like, many people get attracted to different sports or different sports personalities not just because of their skills but also the stories revolving around it. So it’s a nice thing that it got a lot of attention. A lot of people got their eyes on chess, but I wouldn’t make it a big deal," he added.
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"Like, many people get attracted to different sports or different sports personalities not just because of their skills but also the stories revolving around it. So it’s a nice thing that it got a lot of attention. A lot of people got their eyes on chess, but I wouldn’t make it a big deal," he added.
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But on Thursday, Carlsen came out on top, overcoming the poor start to his title defence.
The showdown saw a Queen's Gambit opening, and the evaluation bar soon shifted in favour of Carlsen in the middle game. But it wasn't until Gukesh started running out of time that Carlsen gained an advantage. Gukesh had less than a minute on the clock, compared to Carlsen's eight.
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The Indian GM finally crumbled due to time pressure and resigned after 42 moves. It was also his first Classical defeat in the ongoing competition.
‘It was a huge relief’: Magnus Carlsen
Speaking to Take Take Take after his win, Carlsen said, "It was a huge relief (to win today). After missing a few chances (in previous games) you kind of get little doubts in your mind. What’s it going to take for me to get it done. Feels good to get that monkey off my back."
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, where Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.
Home/Sports/Others/Magnus Carlsen avenges painful D Gukesh defeat that sparked viral table slam moment: 'Got that monkey off my back'
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