Indian Men’s Team Dominates Iran, Women’s Team Suffers Shock Defeat at Chess Olympiad

Indian Men’s Chess Team Dominates, Women’s Team Suffers Setback at Chess Olympiad

In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, the Indian men’s chess team secured yet another impressive victory over Iran at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. With a resounding 3.5-0.5 points win, the Indian men’s team has firmly positioned themselves as strong contenders for the gold medal in the Open section.

Led by World number four Arjun Erigaisi, the Indian men’s team showcased their dominance on the chessboard. Erigaisi set the tone for the team’s success by outplaying Bardiya Daneshvar with black pieces. D Gukesh followed suit with a strategic victory over Parham Maghsoodloo, while R Praggnanandhaa secured a crucial draw and Vidit Gujrathi added to the team’s tally with a commanding performance.

The Indian men’s team’s eighth consecutive victory has propelled them to the top of the standings with 16 points, holding a significant two-point lead over their closest rivals Hungary and Uzbekistan. With just three rounds remaining, the Indian men’s team is on track to claim the top spot in the prestigious chess event.

Notably, Arjun Erigaisi’s exceptional performance has brought him closer to the coveted 2800-rating mark, a feat achieved by only a select few players in history. Gukesh’s victory has also elevated him to the top-five rankings globally, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.

While the men’s team continues to shine, the Indian women’s team faced a setback with a 1.5-2.5 points defeat against Poland. Grandmaster D Harika struggled on the top board, suffering her third loss in the event. Despite a valiant effort from Divya Deshmukh, the women’s team fell short against a strong Polish lineup.

With the women’s team now tied with Poland and Kazakhstan at the top of the table with 14 points each, the competition remains fierce in the women’s section. In the upcoming rounds, the Indian men’s team will face Uzbekistan, while the women’s team is set to take on the USA.

As the Chess Olympiad in Budapest continues to unfold, the Indian chess contingent’s performance is capturing the attention of fans and enthusiasts worldwide. With their exceptional skills and strategic prowess, the Indian players are making their mark on the global chess stage, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the prestigious event.