Magnus Carlsen avoids theatrics after R Praggnanandhaa defeat, doesn’t repeat infamous table slam: ‘I just wimped out’

This was also R Praggnanandhaa's second classical victory over Magnus Carlsen, having earlier bagged a win during the 2024 edition.

Published on: May 28, 2026, 14:54:18 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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R Praggnanandhaa outplayed Magnus Carlsen in Round 3 of the ongoing Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger. The Indian GM claimed three full points and came out on top in a tense time scramble to climb to second position with 4.5 points. Meanwhile, Carlsen is at the bottom of the six-player standings with only 1.5 points.

R Praggnanandhaa defeated Magnus Carlsen on Wednesday. (X)

This was also Praggnanandhaa's second classical victory over Carlsen, having earlier bagged a win during the 2024 edition.

Also Read: Chief arbiter lifts lid on Magnus Carlsen vs Hans Niemann cheating scandal: ‘No evidence that he cheated’

The 20-year-old battled Carlsen in a tense time scramble, but the Norwegian failed to recover. Speaking after the game, Praggnanandhaa claimed that Carlsen also had the chance to win it.

‘Not a game to celebrate too much about!’

"Honestly, this is not a game to celebrate too much about! In these time scrambles it's basically like tossing a coin. It could have gone Magnus' way or my way, so it's not something to be extremely proud of or anything. I'm happy that I played well in the first half, I was playing with control, but in this time control it can go either way," he said.

Carlsen admitted in the confession box that he spent 28 minutes over 8...Nc6, considering 8...Nxe4!?, before deciding against it.

Carlsen remarked, "I just wimped out a little bit at the end, which is a little bit sad."

On the other hand, D Gukesh's poor run continued as he lost to Alireza Firouzja in the Armageddon game after a draw.

Now the spotlight will be on Thursday's fourth round, where Carlsen and Gukseh will take on each other in a blockbuster showdown. Last year, Gukesh sealed a dramatic win against Carlsen in this tournament, and the Norwegian was left fuming, slamming the table in reaction.

But this time, after losing to Praggnanandhaa, he maintained his calm composure. He looked disappointed, but there were no theatrics.

Here is the video:

The women's section has also been entertaining, with players tightly packed in the standings. Divya Deshmukh got her third Armageddon victory of the tournament, this time against leader Bibisara Assaubayeva, moving to 4.5 points. Deshmukh is now second, narrowing the gap on Bibisara, who leads with 5.5 points. Meanwhile, Koneru Humpy's difficult run continued as she lost to defending champion Anna Muzychuk. She is at the bottom of the standings, in sixth place.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
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.Read More

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