Oslo, May 25:
World champion D Gukesh will have a shot at rediscovering his touch ahead of his world championship title defence when he launches his campaign at the prestigious Norway Chess on Monday, facing another stern test of temperament and skill against an elite field.
The elite field is headlined by former world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and, besides Gukesh, also features Indian star R Praggnanandhaa, with a formidable Indian contingent aiming to end the country’s long-standing wait for a maiden title in the picturesque surroundings of Oslo and its scenic fjords.
The carefully chosen venue, the iconic Deichman Bjørvika public library overlooking the Oslofjord waterfront and located just a couple of kilometres from the Nobel Peace Center, will host six of the world’s best players in both the Open and Women’s sections.
India, now firmly established as a global chess powerhouse, will have four representatives in the event — Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa in the Open category, alongside Koneru Humpy and World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh in the women’s field. The task, however, will be anything but easy for the Indian quartet, with world No. 1 and home favourite Carlsen leading a formidable field that includes French star Alireza Firouzja, Germany’s Vincent Keymer and seasoned American campaigner Wesley So.