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Round 9 of Norway Chess: Carlsen, Gukesh Win To Set Up Thrilling
Magnus Carlsen and World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju both won their round 9 of Norway Chess 2025. Now, just half a point separates them going into the final round.
Carlsen beat GM Fabiano Caruana with brilliant endgame technique. Gukesh defeated GM Wei Yi in a bold and risky game. Meanwhile, GM Hikaru Nakamura drew with GM Arjun Erigaisi in classical but won the armageddon.
In the Women’s section, GM Anna Muzychuk shocked World Champion GM Ju Wenjun to take the lead. GM Koneru Humpy blundered a winning position and fell to second. IM Sara Khadem earned her second classical win against GM Vaishali Rameshbabu.
Carlsen Strikes Back Against Caruana
Carlsen played the Catalan Opening and sacrificed a pawn early. He regained control with a clever counter, turning the tables and gaining a winning endgame.
Caruana grabbed a poisoned pawn, and Carlsen’s central pawns became unstoppable. Despite the win, Carlsen admitted he still felt disappointed about his earlier loss to Gukesh.
“The dream of playing a really good tournament burst with that game.” — Carlsen on losing to Gukesh
Carlsen also commented that Nakamura, Caruana, or Nepomniachtchi could be favorites against Gukesh if they win the Candidates.
Gukesh Wins Again With Creative Play
Gukesh chose the Petroff Defense and surprised Wei Yi with rare queen moves. His aggressive approach confused Wei and gained him an advantage.
Wei misplayed a critical moment, and Gukesh punished him with a stunning sacrifice that led to a forced win.
“It was just over.” — Gukesh on his 25.Bxh7+ sacrifice
The world champion’s confident and fearless style continues to impress. Even PSG used his reaction meme after their Champions League win!
“Some people get attracted to the emotions, to all these memes… Glad I could contribute!” — Gukesh
Nakamura Edges Out Arjun
Nakamura faced a sharp Alapin Sicilian from Arjun. Despite not grabbing a pawn, he steered the game into a safe draw.
In the armageddon, Nakamura dominated with precise calculation, ending a four-game losing streak in that format.
“Much easier to go for glory in the last round.” — Nakamura
If Nakamura wins his final classical game, and Carlsen and Gukesh don’t win, he could still win the event or reach a playoff.
Women’s Event
Muzychuk Takes The Lead
Anna Muzychuk defeated Ju Wenjun with an incredible exchange sacrifice and perfect endgame play.
“I didn’t think anything about tomorrow… I don’t even know the standings!” — Muzychuk
Humpy’s Missed Chance
GM Koneru Humpy reached a winning position but blundered and lost to GM Lei Tingjie. Lei admitted she was hoping Humpy had made a mistake — and she had.
“Yeah, she did!” — Lei Tingjie
Khadem Beats Vaishali
IM Sara Khadem won a wild Ruy Lopez battle against GM Vaishali. Vaishali had a chance to draw with a stunning move but couldn’t hold the endgame in time trouble.
What’s Next?
The final round is on Friday, June 6. If Carlsen or Muzychuk win in classical, they will take the titles. But if not, a playoff could decide the champions!
Even Caruana and Ju Wenjun still have outside chances to win. Expect drama until the very last move!
Tournament Format
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Event runs from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger, Norway
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Separate Open and Women’s tournaments with equal prize funds
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Classical game win: 3 points, draw: 1 point
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Armageddon win adds 0.5 points after a draw
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Time control: 120 minutes for 40 moves, then 10 seconds added per move
Photos: Michal Walusza, Maria Emelianova, Norway Chess
Source: CHESS.com
