Oslo, Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa has put himself firmly in contention for the Norway Chess title after a commanding classical victory over compatriot D Gukesh moved him to within half a point of leader Wesley So of the USA, setting up an intriguing final round battle here.
Pragnanandhaa moved into the sole second place on 15 points, just behind American GM Wesley So after Round 9, with one round remaining on Friday.
The tournament could hardly have asked for a more dramatic finale, with France's Alireza Firouzja also in title contention on 14.5 points in third place, leaving three players with a realistic shot at the title heading into the final round.
Playing black, Praggnanandhaa came armed with the ambitious Nimzo-Indian Samisch Variation and sprang a surprise on Gukesh. The game followed an even course through the opening before Praggnanandhaa introduced a fresh idea on move 14.
Gukesh's response turned out to be a decisive mis-step, allowing Praggnanandhaa to win a rook and wrest complete control of the position.
Praggnanandhaa will face Germany's Vincent Keymer in the decisive final round, while leader Wesley So takes on Alireza in a clash that could determine the destination of the title.
