Fri Sep 20 05:09:48 UTC 2024: ## Chess Olympiad 2024: India’s Open Team Wins Eighth in a Row, Women Fall to Poland
**Budapest, Hungary:** The Indian men’s chess team continued their winning streak at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, defeating Iran 3.5-0.5 in the eighth round on Thursday. This victory marks their eighth consecutive win, further solidifying their dominance in the open event.
GM Arjun Erigaisi, returning to winning ways after a draw in the previous round, secured India’s first point by defeating GM Bardiya Daneshvar. This victory also saw Erigaisi achieve a career-high live rating of 2792.7, placing him as the world’s fourth-ranked player.
Further contributing to the win, Vidit Gujrathi triumphed over GM Pouya Idani, while world championship challenger Gukesh Dommaraju secured his second consecutive win against GM Parham Maghsoodloo. Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, on the second board, was the only Indian player to draw against Iran.
India will next face off against the reigning champions Uzbekistan, who are currently second in the standings, on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team’s winning streak came to an end after losing to Poland 1.5-2.5 in the eighth round. IM Divya Deshmukh was the sole victor for India, defeating IM Aleksandra Maltsevskaya on the third board.
However, losses by Harika Dronavalli and Vaishali Rameshbabu on the top boards proved costly. Despite a strong position, Vantika Agrawal drew on the fourth board, allowing Poland to secure a crucial victory.
Both India and Poland are now tied at 14 points after eight rounds. India will face the United States of America in the ninth round on Friday.
First Piper 