Norway Chess 2025 R7: Gukesh bests Arjun Erigaisi, climbs up to the second place

by Shahid Ahmed - 03/06/2025

A win against Magnus Carlsen is undoubtedly a huge confidence boost. The World Champion continues his momentum as he won his second Classical game in-a-row at 13th Norway Chess. In the seventh round, he defeated his compatriot, Arjun Erigaisi who missed an opportunity to maintain a firm grip of the position. Once he loosened, Gukesh got back in the game and eventually turned things in his favor. Magnus Carlsen (NOR) was in no mood to play Classical chess. He drew quite possibly his final Classical game against Hikaru Nakamura (USA) and won Armageddon. Fabiano Caruana (USA) won against Wei Yi (CHN) for the second time at this event to gain sole lead 12.5/21. Round 8 starts today from 5 p.m. local time, 8:30 p.m. IST. Apart from youtube, there is also a live broadcast on Sony Liv. Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Caruana emerges sole leader

With two consecutive Classical wins, the World Champion, D Gukesh has moved up to the second place 11.5/21, one full point behind Fabiano Caruana. Magnus Carlsen is at 11/21. All three of them have great chances to win the tournament. It goes without saying that the last three rounds are going to be quite exciting.

The World Champion, D Gukesh avenged his earlier Classical loss against Arjun Erigaisi | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Gukesh - Arjun: 3-0

The World Champion, D Gukesh (2776) lost the first Classical battle against Arjun Erigaisi (2782) at this event. The World no.3 made the decision to play Pirc Defence and got a pleasant position out of the opening.

Position after 25.Ng3

Black needed to play 25...Rf2! 26.Ne4 Bxh3! 27.gxh3 Bh2+ 28.Kh1 Bc7 and he would have gained a significant upper hand. Of course, the rook cannot be taken as 26.Qxf2?? Rxf2 27.Kxg2 Bf4 and Black is winning. Arjun played 25...Bf4 26.Rxe6 Bxd2 27.Rxg6+ Kh7 28.Qe6 and White is back in the game. After a bit of inaccurate play, White was in driver's seat. He capitalized on his extra pawn advantage and won the game.

Final moments and aftermath | Video: ChessBase India

D Gukesh climbs up to the second place with a win over Arjun Erigaisi | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Carlsen - Nakamura: 1.5-1

The World no.1, Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2837) was not in a mood to play Classical chess. Hence, he made a quick draw with Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2804) in 21 moves. It was also the first result of the round.

Armageddon

Position after 14.Nxc3!

14.Nxc3! is something Carlsen spotted on the board among various tempting options. 14...Bxc3 does not work due to 15.Nc4 threatening Nd6. The game continued 14...0-0 15.Bxb4 axb4 16.Nxd7 Nxd7 17.Na4 and White went on to win the game.

Magnus Carlsen - Hikaru Nakamura, Armageddon, Commentary by IM Sagar Shah | Video: ChessBase India

Magnus vs Hikaru, The last Classical game ever? | Video: GMHikaru

Was it their last Classical rated game against each other? Only time will tell | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Caruana - Wei: 3-0

Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2776) defeated Wei Yi (CHN, 2758) in Classical earlier at this event. In the rematch, the result was the same too. Wei misplayed in the rook and opposite color bishop endgame and lost the game.

Final moments, few words with Aryan Tari and Fabiano Caruana | Video: ChessBase India

Fabiano Caruana defeated Wei Yi to emerge sole leader | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Fabiano Caruana and D Gukesh with their fans | Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza

Round 7 starting moments | Video: ChessBase India

Interview with Peter Heine Nielsen | Video: ChessBase India

Replay live stream

Replay Round 7 live commentary by IM Sagar Shah and Amruta Mokal | Video: ChessBase India

Round 7 results

The seventh round witnessed two Classical wins and only one Armageddon | Graphic: Norway Chess

Standings after Round 7

Fabiano Caruana has emerged sole leader 12.5/21 | Graphic: Norway Chess

Round 8 pairings

Arjun Erigaisi - Fabiano Caruana

Wei Yi - Magnus Carlsen

Hikaru Nakamura - D Gukesh

Format

6 players will take part in the Tournament.

The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon.

The Tournament consists of 10 rounds.

Berger tables will be used for the pairings.

Time Control

Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.

Draw by Mutual Agreement

Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.

Armageddon

If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.