Gukesh’s brilliance helps India pip Germany; women crush Uzbekistan

After a while, India had a well-nigh perfect day at the Chess Olympiad. Both the men’s and women’s teams won their matches in the ninth round at Samarkand on Friday.

After conceding draws in the previous round, both teams had to win their matches. The men encountered a strong challenge from the giant-killer Germany before winning 2.5-1.5, while the women crushed host Uzbekistan 3-1.

The Indian men owe their win to World champion D. Gukesh, who showed resilience and brilliance to defeat Alexander Donchenko on the fourth board. He came back from an inferior position and found a superb knight manoeuvre on his way to a 54-move victory with black pieces.

The other games, featuring R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin were all drawn. India has 15 points and is in joint second position in the open section, along with Uzbekistan (2) and Armenia. With 16 points, Uzbekistan is in the sole lead. Just two rounds remain.

In the women’s event too, India is placed second with 15 points, alongside Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Former champion China is the sole leader with 17 points.

The Indian women were too good for Uzbekistan, though B. Savitha Shri, for the first time in the tournament, failed to win. After winning all her seven games, she was forced to split the point, with Guldona Karimova, but Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal won their games.

Important results (ninth round): Open: India bt Germany 2.5-1.5 (R. Praggnanandhaa drew with Vincent Keymer; Arjun Eriagisi drew with Matthias Bluebaum; Nihal Sarin drew with Frederik Svane; D. Gukesh bt Alexander Donchenko)

Uzbekistan bt USA 2.5-1.5; China drew with France 2-2; Uzbekistan (2) bt Netherlands 3.5-0.5; Armenia bt Azerbaijan 2.5-1.5; Hungary bt Austria 3-1; Ukraine bt Georgia 2.5-1.5; Spain bt Czech Republic 3-1; Bulgaria drew with Turkiye 2-2; Brazil drew with Greece 2-2.

Women: India bt Uzbekistan 3-1 (Koneru Humpy drew with Afruza Khamdamova; Divya Deshmukh bt Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova; Vantika Agrawal bt Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva; B. Savitha Shri drew with Guldona Karimova).

China bt Armenia 3-1; Kazakhstan drew with Mongolia; Georgia drew with Greece; France bt Serbia 2.5-1.5; Poland bt Cuba 2.5-1.5; Indonesia bt Germany 2.5-1.5; Vietnam bt Bulgaria 3.5-0.5; USA bt Canada 3-1; Azerbaijan bt Czech Republic 4-0; Netherlands bt Argentina 2.5-1.5.