On the dramatic second day of Norway Chess, D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa suffered disappointing Armageddon loses, but Divya Deshmukh maintained her stellar performance in the women's division.
After controlling a significant portion of a taxing 116-move traditional match, world champion Gukesh appeared certain to win over Wesley So. But in Armageddon, the American outplayed Indian to earn 1.5 points after escaping with a draw. Gukesh and So were tied for second place with 2.5 points despite the loss.
In-form Frenchman Alireza Firouzja, who rose to the top of the standings with six points following back-to-back victories, also had a dismal performance against Praggnanandhaa. Even though Firouzja was playing through discomfort from an ankle ailment, the Indian seemed to have the upper hand early in the traditional game, but Firouzja rallied admirably.

"I'm attempting to play chess. After winning, Firouzja remarked, "I have a lot of pain, but it keeps me focused," according to PTI.
Magnus Carlsen, the reigning champion, eventually opened his account following another intense match against Vincent Keymer of Germany. In the traditional game, the Norwegian lost good situations, but he bounced back to win the Armageddon tiebreak and advance to 1.5 points with Praggnanandhaa.
DIVYA MAINTAINS HER MARCH
In the women's division, Divya Deshmukh defeated seasoned countryman Koneru Humpy in Armageddon to maintain her impressive run. After another assured performance, the adolescent, making her Norway Chess debut, moved up to joint second with three points.
Divya expressed her enjoyment of both the "Confession Room," where players exchange ideas during games, and the tournament's distinctive Armageddon style."I'm enjoying the Armageddon games a lot. It makes it easier for me to express my thoughts and perform better calculations," she remarked.
After overcoming Zhu Jiner in Armageddon, Kazakhstan's Bibisara Assaubayeva increased her lead with 4.5 points, while reigning champion Anna Muzychuk defeated women's world champion Ju Wenjun in another thrilling tiebreak match.
Results following Round 2 (Open): Carlsen, Praggnanandhaa 1.5; Firouzja 6; Wesley So, Gukesh 2.5.
Women: Divya Deshmukh 3; Anna Muzychuk, Zhu Jiner 2.5; Ju Wenjun 2; Koneru Humpy 1; Bibisara Assaubayeva 4.5.