Intense Showdowns at the 45th National Team Chess Championship in Raipur: Grandmasters Clash and Women’s Teams Dominate
Raipur: Chess Titans Clash at 45th National Team Championships
Raipur, Chhattisgarh — The battle for supremacy in Indian chess reached a fever pitch on Thursday as the 45th National Team Chess Championship (Open) and the 23rd National Women’s Team Chess Championship unfolded in Raipur. Organized by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Chess Association and overseen by the All India Chess Federation, the fifth round of the Open category showcased high-stakes encounters featuring the nation’s elite Grandmasters.
The standout match of the day saw Telangana A face off against the Railway Sports Promotion Board A (RSPB A) in a gripping showdown that ended in a 2-2 stalemate. On the top board, Telangana’s Adireddy Arjun took on GM Visakh N R in an Italian Game. Arjun, playing with the white pieces, launched an aggressive opening but found Visakh’s defense impenetrable. The game transitioned into a balanced middlegame, ultimately resulting in a hard-fought draw.
In another thrilling encounter, Pranay Akula of Telangana held GM Diptayan Ghosh to a draw in a Queen’s Gambit Declined. Ghosh showcased his positional prowess with the black pieces, yet Akula’s precision in the endgame ensured that both players walked away with half a point.
Other notable results included Airports Authority of India (AAI) managing a 2-2 draw against Tamil Nadu B. While IM Aditya Dhingra and IM Nitin S secured victories for AAI, RSPB B delivered a commanding 3.5-0.5 win over Bihar A, bolstered by stellar performances from IM Ayush Sharma, IM Aronyak Ghosh, IM Neelash Saha, and GM Sayantan Das.
Meanwhile, the fourth round of the 23rd National Women’s Team Chess Championship saw the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) and AAI continue their winning streaks, solidifying their positions at the top of the leaderboard. PSPB achieved a resounding 4-0 victory against Uttar Pradesh, with WGM Mary Ann Gomes, IM Padmini Rout, WFM Arshiya Das, and IM Nisha Mohota all delivering clinical performances. Gomes, in particular, showcased her skills with the Sicilian Defence, dominating the center and converting her advantage into a win through precise endgame technique.
AAI also shone brightly, defeating Telangana A 3-1, thanks to vital wins from WGM Priyanka Nutakki, WIM Arpita Mukherjee, and WIM Priyanka K. Other results saw Maharashtra A triumph over LIC with a score of 3-1, while West Bengal A defeated Andhra Pradesh B 3.5-0.5.
As the tournament progresses, the intensity and excitement continue to build, with players vying for glory in one of the country’s most prestigious chess events. The next rounds promise even more thrilling encounters as teams battle for supremacy in Raipur.