SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan : India’s men beat England while the women’s team defeated Germany 3.5-0.5 in the seventh round of the 46th Chess Olympiad on Wednesday.
On the top board, R Praggnanandhaa defeated Nikita Vitiugov, while world champion D Gukesh continued his unbeaten run with another victory on board four.
Gukesh has won the last two individual gold medals for India while playing on the top board and remains in contention for another strong finish despite moving to board four.
Nihal Sarin lost to England’s Luke McShane on board three, but India’s other results secured the team victory.
In the women’s section, India took control early against Germany, with Koneru Humpy winning on the top board.
Vaishali drew on board two, while Divya Deshmukh won on board three to put India in a position to secure the match. Savitha Shri then completed the result with her fifth consecutive win.
Praggnanandhaa produced a tactical performance against Vitiugov, applying pressure on the queenside after the opening and converting his advantage.
Gukesh also built his victory around an attack on the kingside, giving India another point in the match.
The results kept both Indian teams in contention as the Olympiad moved beyond the halfway stage, with the men’s side overcoming England and the women maintaining their progress with a comprehensive win over Germany.
