World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen bounced back in style at the Norway Chess tournament, crushing reigning classical world champion D. Gukesh to climb up the standings.

The emphatic victory earned the seven-time Norway Chess champion three full points and lifted him from last place to sole fourth with 4.5 points. Gukesh, meanwhile, dropped to the bottom of the table on 3.5 points after another disappointing outing ahead of his world title defence later this year against Javokhir Sindarov.

Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa remained in second place after defeating Germany’s Vincent Keymer in Armageddon following a drawn classical game.

Tournament leader Alireza Firouzja maintained his advantage despite losing to Wesley So in Armageddon after their classical encounter ended level. Firouzja leads with 8.5 points, followed by Praggnanandhaa on six, while Wesley So occupies third place with 5.5 points heading into the rest day.