What does world champion D Gukesh have to do to avoid finishing last at Norwegian Chess 2026?

World champion D Gukesh faces a crucial final round showdown with Magnus Carlsen at Norwegian Chess 2026. Currently last on eight points, Gukesh must beat Carlsen in his classic game to get ahead of Nor and avoid being placed at the end. Meanwhile, Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa and Alireza Firouzja remain locked in a thrilling three-way battle for the tournament title. NEW DELHI: The final round of Norwegian Chess 2026 promises plenty of drama, with the title race still wide open. While Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Alireza Firouzja remain in a fierce battle for the top spot, reigning world champion D Gukesh faces a completely different challenge and avoids finishing last in the prestigious tournament.Going into Friday’s final round in Oslo, Gukesh is at the bottom of the table with eight points. Just above him is world number one Magnus Carlsen with 10 points after an unusually inconsistent campaign for the Norwegian star. The equation for Gukesh is straightforward but difficult: he must beat Carlsen in their classic game to move ahead of him in the standings and escape from last place. It will be black for Gukesh and white for the local boy.The 20-year-old Indian grandmaster’s woes deepened in the 9th round when he suffered a classic defeat at the hands of compatriot Praggnanandha. Playing with white pieces, Gukesh came under sustained pressure in a tricky middle game. Praggnanandhaa gradually seized the initiative and converted his advantage with impressive accuracy to claim three crucial points.This win lifted Praggnanandha to 15 points and put him firmly in contention for the title. Tournament leader Wesley So remains just 15.5 points clear after drawing his classic clash with Magnus Carlsen before winning the Armageddon game to secure the bonus points.Alireza Firouzja is also firmly in the sights. The French grandmaster survived a difficult classic game against Vincent Keymer and later triumphed in Armageddon, scoring 14.5 points and keeping his championship hopes alive.READ ALSO: Norwegian Chess 2026 Full Report Round 9 Meanwhile, the women’s event has already been decided. Bibisara Assaubayeva sealed the 2026 Norwegian Women’s Chess crown with a bullet. Her draw against Anna Muzychuk, followed by Muzychuk’s victory at Armageddon, was enough to mathematically guarantee first place.As the focus shifts to the final day, the focus will be on both ends of the ladder. As the three players fight for the trophy, Gukesh faces a must-win duel with Carlsen to avoid the tournament ending in disappointment.