Oslo, May 31: The fifth round of Norway Chess 2026 showcased thrilling matches. In the men’s category, reigning world champion D. Gukesh secured a crucial victory against compatriot Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu. Meanwhile, in the women’s section, Divya Deshmukh delivered an outstanding performance, claiming the sole top position.
The match between Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa remained intensely competitive for a long time. Praggnanandhaa maintained an advantage for most of the game and appeared to be on the path to victory. However, as the game progressed into its final stages, the pressure of time began to weaken his position. Gukesh seized this opportunity, turning the tables to achieve a remarkable win.
In another significant match, American Grandmaster Wesley So stunned everyone by defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen. This encounter evolved into a lengthy strategic battle, but in the endgame, So showcased superior play to secure the win. The classical match between Alireza Firouzja and Vincent Keymer ended in a draw, but in the subsequent Armageddon match, Firouzja triumphed, solidifying his grip on the top position.
In the women’s category, the highlight of the day was Divya Deshmukh’s victory over China’s Zhu Jiner in a long and hard-fought match. The game remained balanced for a considerable time, but during the critical moments, Divya executed precise moves to clinch the win.
Other matches saw Anna Muzychuk and Bibisara Assaubayeva’s classical game end in a draw. Later, in the Armageddon, Muzychuk secured a win to gain extra points. Additionally, the classical match between women’s world champion Ju Wenjun and India’s Humpy Koneru also ended in a draw, but Humpy achieved a brilliant victory in the Armageddon.
After the fifth round, Divya Deshmukh stands alone at the top of the women’s category. As the tournament enters its second half, her position looks very strong, raising hopes among Indian fans for a potential title.
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