American GM Wesley So commented on his win over Praggnanandhaa R in round 3 of Norway Chess 2026. Wesley says he was unhappy with the opening, says Pragg was too aggressive, and reflects on the energy of the tournament players.

Wesley So

Wesley So

American GM

“It was such a such a weird game…

I was very unhappy after the opening when he played the Stonewall. Because before the game I specifically told myself that I don’t want to play against the Stonewall today. But in the end, I still got Stonewall because I was following Shankland’s strategy on Chessable.

I have no idea how I won that game. I bet it got something to do with the lack of time. And also, Pragg overpressed. He was super aggressive today. I think he wanted to win badly and ended up overdoing it.

It’s going to be really tough in the last four rounds. Everyone here is very strong. It takes a lot of energy. Everyone is very young, except Magnus maybe. Gukesh, Firouzja, Keymer — all very young, energetic, and ambitious players. You can never feel too safe.”

Gukesh Dommaraju, Praggnanandhaa R, Alireza Firouzja, and Vincent Keymer are all under 22 years old. Magnus Carlsen and Wesley So are 35 and 32 years old respectively. Gukesh celebrated his 20th birthday during the tournament on May 29.

The Norway Chess 2026 takes place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Wesley So leads the tournament with 11.5 points, and Praggnanandhaa R is in last place after six rounds. Magnus Carlsen moved up from last place to 4th.

Credit: Tor Nilssen / Norway Chess