Pragg moves in right direction

Stavanger (Norway), May 28

Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa got off to a flier and defeated Firouzja Alireza of France in the Armageddon game in the first round of Norway Chess here today.

After an easy draw under normal time control, Praggnanandhaa got 10 minutes as white compared to Alireza’s seven but with the condition that he had to win as a draw would have given black extra points.

The Indian was clinical in his approach and carved out a fine victory in the endgame.

The day saw all the games under classical time control ending in draws in both the men’s and women’s sections and as many as six Armageddon games happened to decide the winner in this unique format.

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen played out a 14-move draw in classical and then a 68-move draw with reigning world champion Ding Liren to seal the day in his favour, while Hikaru Nakamura proved stronger than American compatriot Fabiano Caruana in the Armageddon.

After the end of the first round, Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen and Nakamura share the lead on 1.5 points apiece while Alireza, Liren and Caruana follow them half-a-point behind.

Each win under the classical time control here is worth three points while the winner takes 1.5 points in the Armageddon with a point for one on the receiving end.

Praggnanandhaa scored his first ever over-the-board victory over Alireza.

It was an irregular queen pawn opening wherein Praggnanadhaa seized a small advantage and benefitted from a casual 26th move by Alireza.

Pouncing on the opportunity, a series of forced moves gave the Indian a decisive advantage and the game was over in 38 moves.

The women’s section, having the same prize money as men’s ($161,000), also witnessed three draws in the classical time control between six competitors.

Needing a draw with black pieces in the Armageddon, Koneru Humpy did not face many difficulties and got 1.5 points against Pia Cramling.

R Vaishali came up with an inspired performance with black against women’s world champion Wenjun Ju of China but could not cash in on her chances.

It was a tough Classical game for the elder sister of Praggnanandhaa as Wenjun took her for a long grind in a queen and opposite coloured Bishops endgame. The game was drawn after 80 moves thanks to Vaishali’s resistance.

Wenjun sacrificed a pawn early in the return game in a must-win situation and Vaishali had this extra pawn for quite some time. However, with the clock ticking away, Vaishali could not withstand the pressure and Wenjun won in 43 moves.

In the other game of the day, Tingjie Lei of China prevailed over Anna Muzychuk of Ukraine, winning the Armageddon with black.