These are extraordinary times, it should be said. It is not often that Magnus Carlsen loses a classical chess game. But, the unthinkable seems to be playing out at the Norway Chess as the Norwegian superstar, considered one of the greatest ever, has suffered four defeats in the tournament thus far.

R. Praggnanandhaa, who seems to have the wood on Carlsen, beating him twice in the event, in classical, was delighted to do so. The wins for the Indian came in the third and eighth rounds.

He outmanouvered the world’s best player in the eighth round on Tuesday, capitalising on a blunder by his opponent under time pressure.

“I think beating him in any format is good. But more than that, I think winning at this stage of the tournament is more important,” Praggnanandhaa said, responding to a question if beating Carlsen a third time in the classical format felt like a normal thing or was still one to savour.

Asked if the World No.1’s aura was waning, he said it was not so and added, “it’s just one tournament that, like a few moments don’t go your way… I think he’s still the best.”

Also, Praggnanandhaa said he has been involved in some well-contested matches against Carlsen and added that he enjoyed playing him.

I wouldn’t say I felt intimidated. I always felt more excited playing him. So that always brings my best.

“I always felt more excited playing him. So that always brings my best. We also have had a lot of exciting, fighting games,” he added.

The Indian Grandmaster didn’t seem to agree that there was a change of guard in a sense with Carlsen’s fortunes on the wane, especially in this tournament.

“I mean, we are already there. I think we are among the best players. I don’t think there is… I don’t think there is a change of guard or anything. All these things I think are exaggerated,” he added.