Daijiworld Media Network – Stavanger

Stavanger, Jun 7: World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen lifted the Norway Chess 2025 crown in dramatic fashion on Friday, edging out reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in a tense final day showdown in his hometown. This marks Carlsen’s sixth win at his home tournament, reinforcing his supremacy in classical chess.

Carlsen drew his final game against India’s Arjun Erigaisi, leaving the title race open. However, Gukesh, needing a win against American GM Fabiano Caruana to overtake Carlsen, blundered a queen promotion with just two seconds on the clock, resigning instantly and surrendering the title chance.

With this win, Carlsen finished atop the standings with 16 points, followed by Caruana at 15.5, who jumped into second place after beating Gukesh. The 18-year-old Gukesh, despite a strong tournament and stellar year, settled for third with 14.5 points.

Earlier, Gukesh had closed the gap to just half a point with a Round 9 victory over China’s Wei Yi, keeping pressure on Carlsen until the very end.

In the women’s section, Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk clinched the title after drawing her final-round clash against India’s R Vaishali. Koneru Humpy, needing a win over China’s Ju Wenjun to surpass Muzychuk, was held to a draw, allowing the Ukrainian to emerge victorious in a tightly contested finish.