Samarkand, 18 September (H.S.): India registered victories in both the Open and Women’s sections in the second round of the Chess Olympiad on Thursday. While the Indian Open team had to battle hard to secure a 2.5-1.5 victory over Indonesia, the women’s team recorded a comfortable 3.5-0.5 win over Finland.

Praggnanandhaa plays 79-move marathon

Returning after being rested in the opening round, R. Praggnanandhaa played a lengthy game against Indonesia’s Susanto Megaranto on the top board with the black pieces. The game reached an endgame, and after 79 moves, the two players agreed to a draw.

Nihal Sarin gave India their first breakthrough. Playing with the white pieces against IM Arif Abdul Hafiz, Nihal gradually increased the pressure and secured a tactical advantage in the final phase. Hafiz resigned after 37.Nc5+. It was Nihal’s second consecutive victory at the Olympiad.

D. Gukesh, playing with the black pieces against IM Satria Duta Cahaya, was unable to find a path to victory. After the position simplified, Gukesh kept the game level through a series of queen checks, and the game ended in a draw after 51.Qd1+.

The game between Vidit Gujrathi and IM Nayaka Budhidharma also ended in a draw. Playing with the white pieces, Vidit reached a balanced position, and the two players agreed to split the point after 34.h3.

With one win and three draws, India won the match 2.5-1.5. India had defeated Thailand 3-1 in the opening round. Arjun Erigaisi suffered a surprise defeat on the top board in that encounter, but the team still secured the victory.

Divya, Vantika and Savitha secure victory for women’s team

In the Women’s section, India registered a convincing 3.5-0.5 victory over Finland. With Koneru Humpy rested for this round, Vaishali Rameshbabu took charge on the top board. She faced a strong challenge from Anastasia Keinanen, and their game ended in a draw after 88 moves.

The other three boards went India’s way. Divya Deshmukh defeated Johanna Paasikangas in 38 moves. Vantika Agrawal recorded the quickest win, defeating Sara-Olivia Sippola in just 22 moves.

Savitha Shri B also produced an impressive performance, defeating Helja Lehtinen in 31 moves to help India’s women secure a 3.5-0.5 victory.

Sindarov defeats Peruvian player in 32 moves

In another match, Javokhir Sindarov defeated Peru’s Diego Saul Rodri Flores Quillas in 32 moves while playing with the black pieces. Returning to the team, Sindarov gradually took control of the position before intensifying his attack against the Peruvian king.

Flores Quillas was forced into a defensive position and eventually resigned after finding no way to escape the mounting pressure.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar