Magnus Carlsen played three classical games over the weekend, as he helped Offerspill win the Norwegian League title for the first time. These three encounters were Carlsen’s last rated classical games before the World Championship match, where either Ian Nepomniachtchi or Ding Liren will take the world crown. If Carlsen does not choose to fight to regain the title, these could end up being his last three classical games as world champion.
Krishnan Sasikiran was one of three players who entered the final round of the Fagernes Open a half point behind sole leader Aryan Chopra. Sasikiran beat Alexander Donchenko with black to catch up with Aryan, who drew Frode Urkedal on top board. Out of the two Indians, it was Sasikiran who claimed the title, as he had the better tiebreak score at the end of the event. | Photo: Anna Shtourman