Round 2 of Norway Chess 2024 delivered intense matchups and thrilling conclusions, maintaining the high stakes and excitement that the tournament is renowned for.

In the highly anticipated pairing of the day, Magnus Carlsen faced Hikaru Nakamura. After a closely contested game that ended in a draw, the players proceeded to the Armageddon tiebreaker, a fast-paced format where a draw counts as a win for Black. Carlsen, demonstrating his exceptional skill under pressure, managed to secure a crucial victory, adding to his impressive Armageddon record.

Credits: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage

Alireza Firouzja and Fabiano Caruana also drew their classical game after a complex struggle. Firouzja’s abilities in speed chess shone through in the Armageddon game, where he emerged victorious, solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender in this tournament.

Credits: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage

Norway Chess Women

In the Norway Chess Women’s Tournament, the all-Indian clash between Koneru Humpy and Vaishali Rameshbabu ended decisively. Despite Humpy’s slight advantage in the opening, a critical blunder under time pressure allowed Vaishali to claim victory, and claimed her first ever win against India’s number one female player and became India’s number two female player on the live rating list.

Credits: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage

Another notable game was between the legendary Grandmaster Pia Cramling and Lei Tingjie. Although the game went up and down, it ended in a hard-fought draw.

Credits: Norway Chess / Stev Bonhage

The Norway Chess Supertournament

Held in Stavanger from May 27th to June 7th, Norway Chess 2024 showcases the crème de la crème of the chess world in both the main and women’s tournaments. The tournament features a distinctive format where drawn classical games lead to Armageddon tiebreakers, ensuring every match concludes with a winner. With equal prize funds for both tournaments, Norway Chess underscores its commitment to gender equality in the sport.

As the competition progresses, the blend of classical and Armageddon games promises more drama and excitement, keeping chess enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipating each round.