Stavanger (Norway): Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa got off to a flier and defeated Firouzja Alireza of France in the Armageddon game in the first round of the Norway Chess tournament here on Tuesday. After an easy draw under normal time control, Praggnanadhaa got 10 minutes as white compared to Alireza's seven but with the condition that he had to win as a draw would have given black extra points.
The Indian was clinical in his approach and carved out a fine victory in the endgame. The day saw all the games under classical time control ending in draws in both men's and women's sections and as many as six Armageddon happened to decide the winner in this unique format. World number one Magnus Carlsen played out a 14-move draw in classical and then a 68-move marathon draw with reigning world champion Ding Liren to seal the day in his favour while Hikaru Nakamura proved stronger than American compatriot Fabiano Caruana in the Armageddon.
After the end of the first round, Praggnanandhaa, Carlsen and Nakamura share the lead on 1.5 points apiece while Alireza, Liren and Caruana follow them a half point behind. Each win under classical time control here is worth three points while the winner takes 1.5 home in the Armageddon with one point for the one on the receiving end.
Praggnanandhaa scored his first-ever over-the-board victory over Alireza. It was an irregular queen pawn opening wherein Praggnanadhaa seized a small advantage and benefitted from a casual 26th move by Alireza. Pouncing on the opportunity, a series of forced moves gave the Indians a decisive advantage and the game was over in 38 moves.
The women's section, having the same prize fund as men's (USD 161000), also witnessed three draws in Classical time control between six competitors. Needing a draw with black pieces in the Armageddon, Koneru Humpy did not face many difficulties and got the 1.5 points. R Vaishali came up with an inspired performance with black against women's world champion Wenjun Ju of China but could not cash in on her chances.