R Praggnanandhaa scripted history on Friday night, becoming the first Indian to clinch the Norway Chess 2026 title. He achieved the feat after registering a classical victory over German grandmaster Vincent Keymer in the final round at Oslo’s Deichman Bjørvika.
The 20-year-old had an astonishing final stretch at the 10-round tournament, winning four classical games in a row after losing two on the bounce. His win over Keymer was preceded by victories over Alireza Firouzja, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and world champion Gukesh over the last four days.
Praggnanandhaa revealed that he spoke to his mother after the game against Alireza was done, and she told him that his fortunes would change once he entered a new month. He added that maybe his mom knew something that the world didn't.
‘I was speaking to my mother on 1st June, before Alireza’s game, and she was telling me, ‘It’s a new month. You’ll play well’. And then I was like, ‘Okay, it’s just one of these things that Mom always says’. And then I win four games in a row. She knew something, I guess,” Praggnanandhaa said on Chess24 after his victory.
