Budapest: The Indian men’s team inched closer to a gold medal in the Open section after registering a comfortable win over Iran in the eighth round of the 45th Chess Olympiad currently underway in Budapest, Czech Republic.
The Indian men recorded a 3.5-0.5 points victory over Iran to register their eighth victory in as many matches, taking their tally to 16 points. The win over Iran also opened up a healthy two-point lead over nearest rivals Hungary and Uzbekistan. With three rounds still to play in the world’s biggest chess event, India are primed to take the top honours in the men’s section.
The Indian women sit atop the table along with Poland and Kazakhstan on 14 points. The USA, Armenia and Ukraine are a point behind.
World number four Arjun Erigaisi started the riot with black pieces crushing Bardiya Daneshva before World Championship challenger D Gukesh outwitted Parham Maghsoodloo with black pieces.
Superstar player R Praggnanandhaa played out a draw with Amin Tabatabaei to ensure Indian victory and Vidit Gujrathi put the icing on the cake with a comfortable win over Idani Pouya to give another huge victory to the team.
Vidit was seen swarmed by the fans, who mobbed the Indian chess Grandmaster for selfies.
WATCH: VIDITH MOBBED BY FANS
Vidit getting absolutely swarmed by fans today, super gracious #ChessOlympiad pic.twitter.com/fRH4k9GGWC
— Kostya Kavutskiy (@hellokostya) September 19, 2024
Gujrathi overwhelmed Pouya’s Sicilian defence with his Sozin variation. Arjun moved closer to the 2800 rating mark by taking his tally to a remarkable 7.5 points from eight games reaching at 2793 points in live ratings. If and when Arjun crosses the 2800 mark, he will become the 16th player and only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve the landmark.
Gukesh also raced to 2785 rating points and with that for the first time in history two Indians are in the top five of the world rankings.
In the next round, Indian men will face Uzbekistan while the women will take on the USA.
Chess Olympiad: Vidith Gujrati starred as Indian men’s team continued their superb run to open up a healthy lead at the top of the table. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
