Oslo, May 24: World champion D Gukesh will have a shot at rediscovering his touch ahead of his world championship title defence when he launches his campaign at the prestigious Norway Chess on Monday, facing another stern test of temperament and skill against an elite field.
The elite field is headlined by former world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and, besides Gukesh, also features Indian star R Praggnanandhaa, with a formidable Indian contingent aiming to end the country’s long-standing wait for a maiden title in the picturesque surroundings of Oslo and its scenic fjords.
The carefully chosen venue, the iconic Deichman Bjørvika public library overlooking the Oslofjord waterfront and located just a couple of kilometres from the Nobel Peace Center, will host six of the world’s best players in both the Open and Women’s sections.
India, now firmly established as a global chess powerhouse, will have four representatives in the event — Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa in the Open category, alongside Koneru Humpy and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh in the women’s field. The task, however, will be anything but easy for the Indian quartet, with world No. 1 and home favourite Carlsen leading a formidable field that includes French star Alireza Firouzja, Germany’s Vincent Keymer and seasoned American campaigner Wesley So.
Among the women, the field boasts five-time and reigning world champion Ju Wenjun, defending Norway Chess champion Anna Muzychuk, reigning world blitz champion Bibisara Assaubayeva and China’s fast-rising star Zhu Jiner, alongside the two Indian representatives.
Gukesh enters the tournament carrying the weight of expectation as the player tipped to challenge Carlsen’s stranglehold over Norway Chess, a competition the Norwegian legend has won a record seven times.
Yet, after an underwhelming season so far, Gukesh is likely to treat the event as crucial preparation ahead of his World Championship title defence later this year against challenger Javokhir Sindarov.
Currently ranked world No. 19, Gukesh arrives in Oslo following a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Grand Chess Tour’s Super Rapid and Blitz event in Poland. However, memories of last year’s dramatic victory over Carlsen in the tournament held last year in Stavanger — a defeat that triggered the Norwegian’s now-iconic table-bang in frustration — could provide the Indian teenager the spark he needs. (PTI)
