Chess This Week: Niemann’s Revenge, Nihal’s Milestone, and Carlsen’s Stumble

From Magnus Carlsen struggling to find his rhythm at Norway Chess to Hans Niemann getting his vengeance against Dubov, the chess world is producing excitement all around. Let’s take a look at some of the recent events:

Hans Niemann’s Revenge Over Dubov

Hans Niemann secured a thrilling victory against Daniil Dubov in a rematch blitz match, winning 10.5-9.5 in overtime. The closely contested 18-game match, held in Moscow, saw Niemann overcome Dubov’s earlier win in their initial encounter, showcasing his resilience and skill. The winner was decided through a 2-game mini match after both the players were tied at 9-9 after 18 blitz games. The result adds fuel to their ongoing rivalry, with Niemann proving his mettle against the former World Rapid Champion.

Nihal Sarin Reclaims 2700 at Dubai Open

Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin crossed the 2700 Elo mark yet again, on his way to solidifying his status as a rising star. His standout performance came in round two of the Dubai Open, where he secured a crucial win. Nihal has crossed this rating barrier on occasions in the past, most recently during the Menorca Open 2025! Nihal’s consistent brilliance, highlighted by his strong showing against top competition, underscores India’s growing dominance in global chess.

Carlsen’s Struggles at Norway Chess

Magnus Carlsen faced an unexpected setback at Norway Chess 2025, losing two consecutive Armageddon games against Hikaru Nakamura and Wei Yi. Despite a strong classical win over World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju in round one, Carlsen’s inability to close out promising positions in the tiebreaks has put him under pressure in Stavanger, where he typically excels.

From Niemann’s revenge to Nihal’s redemption, the chessboard is alive with stories that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Photo credit: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza