OSLO (NORWAY): The European summer, cool and pleasant, has welcomed the dozen players for the Norway chess tournament, which begins on Monday. With world champion D Gukesh and chess monarch Magnus Carlsen featuring in the over-the-board classical tournament, entertainment is guaranteed. For those seeking to calm their nerves, the beautiful lake Sognsvann is a short stroll away from the buzzing city centre, dotted with glitzy hotels and serving as a transport hub.
Women's Field and Returning Stars
The women's field will be led by China's multiple world champion Ju Wenjun. Two men who had a busy Grand Chess Tour (GCT) classical leg in Bucharest will also be part of the six-player field: Vincent Keymer of Germany and Iranian-turned-Frenchman Alireza Firouzja. Keymer won that event by half a point from Fabiano Caruana of the United States. Though in peak form, he has missed out on the Candidates tournament. Meanwhile, Alireza sprained his ankle, skipped one round, and played two games from a hotel room in Romania before withdrawing.
Indian Representation and Venue
The Norway organisers had invited Arjun Erigaisi last year. This time, they have brought R Praggnanandhaa on board. Pragg ended Javokhir Sindarov's undefeated streak in classical chess in Romania. The tournament will be played at the Deichman Bjorvika, the main branch of Oslo Public Library, a neo-modern architectural marvel.
Sindarov's Presence
After a hectic schedule that included winning the Cyprus Candidates meet, followed by the GCT Rapid & Blitz in Poland and GCT classical in Romania, Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov is not going home. He will be in Oslo cheering for his close friend Bibisara Assaubayeva.
