Thu Sep 19 07:08:49 UTC 2024: ## India Claims Victory in Crucial Chess Olympiad Match Against China
**Chennai, India** – In a thrilling opening to the 7th round of the 45th Chess Olympiad, India secured a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory over China, sending a strong message in the open section.
The match was highly anticipated, with the world championship rematch between Gukesh D and Ding Liren looming in November. However, China surprisingly rested Ding Liren for the match, a move that surprised even seasoned commentator GM Peter Svidler. “It is very difficult to take points off this Indian team,” Svidler stated, highlighting the significance of Ding’s absence.
The match saw a draw between Praggnanandhaa R and Yu Yangyi on board two, while Arjun Erigaisi’s winning streak came to an end with a draw against Bu Xiangzhi.
The deciding match came down to Gukesh D against Wei Yi. After a tense battle lasting over 70 moves, Gukesh capitalized on a crucial error by Black to secure a vital win for India.
Meanwhile, Iran continued their impressive run, defeating Vietnam 2.5-1.5, propelling them to second place in the open section.
In the women’s section, India maintained their dominance, defeating Georgia 3-1. This victory solidified their lead, with Divya Deshmukh, Vaishali R, and Vantika Agrawal contributing to the win.
The tournament also witnessed a record-breaking number of teams participating. With Syria joining the competition, the open section now boasts 188 teams, exceeding the previous record of 186 set in Chennai in 2022. The women’s tournament saw a similar increase, with 169 teams participating, surpassing the 159 from last year.
The 45th Chess Olympiad continues to deliver high-stakes competition and thrilling matches, with the next round promising further exciting encounters.
First Piper 