Norway Chess 2025 Round 8 delivers intense action as World Champion Gukesh D crashes to a classical loss against Hikaru Nakamura. Magnus Carlsen, the World No. 1, also falters, dropping an Armageddon game to Wei Yi. Indian stars shine in the women’s section, with Vaishali scoring her first win over Women’s World Champion Ju Wenjun, and Koneru Humpy triumphing against Sara Khadem. Catch all the drama from Stavanger!
Gukesh vs. Nakamura: A Classical Clash in Norway Chess 2025 Round 8
Hikaru Nakamura exacts sweet revenge in Norway Chess 2025 Round 8, toppling World Champion Gukesh D in a gripping classical game. Gukesh, riding high after back-to-back classical wins over Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi, stumbles early. Nakamura seizes the advantage after Gukesh recaptures with 20. Nxg6+ fxg6, opting for the wrong pawn. “There is a balance between what is practical and what is crazy,” Nakamura remarks, reflecting on his strategy with the white pieces. The game unfolds over 39 moves, with key moments like 25. f4 Qf5 and 35. h5 Qd7+ shifting momentum. Nakamura snaps a five-match losing streak, tying Gukesh at 11.5 points for third place. Fans witness a tale of two halves: Gukesh bests Nakamura in Round 3’s classical, but Nakamura strikes back decisively here.
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Carlsen’s Shocking Fall, Indian Stars Rise
Magnus Carlsen faces a stunning setback in Norway Chess 2025 Round 8, blundering a piece in Armageddon against China’s Wei Yi. Wei Yi, beaming with pride, claims his second Armageddon victory over Carlsen in the tournament, repeating his Round 3 success. “A big moment in the game,” commentators note as Carlsen’s unorthodox bishop placement unravels. He lands at 12 points, trailing leader Fabiano Caruana at 12.5. Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi outplays Caruana in a chaotic time scramble, boosting his tally to 10.5. In the women’s section, Vaishali dazzles, defeating Ju Wenjun for her first win against the Women’s World Champion. Koneru Humpy powers to a classical win over Sara Khadem, seizing the lead with 13.5 points. “We do not tolerate racism or hate speech in any form,” Norway Chess organizers declare, addressing an online storm following Gukesh’s earlier heroics.
Standings and What’s Next
Fabiano Caruana clings to the top spot with 12.5 points, followed closely by Carlsen at 12. Gukesh and Nakamura share third at 11.5, with Erigaisi at 10.5 and Wei Yi at 8. In the women’s event, Humpy leads with 13.5, ahead of Ju Wenjun and Anna Muzychuk at 12.5 each, Lei Tingjie at 10, Vaishali at 9.5, and Khadem at 6. Norway Chess 2025 Round 8 shakes up the leaderboard, setting the stage for thrilling battles ahead.
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