Sun Sep 22 19:11:33 UTC 2024: ## India Dominates 45th Chess Olympiad, Securing Gold in Both Open and Women’s Sections
**Chennai, India** – India has cemented its position as a chess powerhouse, sweeping the 45th Chess Olympiad with victories in both the open and women’s sections. The tournament, held in Chennai, witnessed a display of exceptional talent and unwavering determination from Indian players.
The men’s team, led by Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala, dominated throughout the tournament, winning 10 matches and drawing only one. Their victory was solidified in the final round with a commanding 3.5-0.5 win over Slovenia.
Gukesh D, who scored a phenomenal 9 points in 10 games, secured the individual gold medal on the top board. Arjun Erigaisi, another star performer, achieved an impressive 10 points in 11 games, earning individual gold on board three. Both players are on the cusp of breaking the coveted 2800 Elo rating.
The women’s team, consisting of Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev, showcased incredible resilience and composure throughout the tournament. They faced a tough challenge in the final round, tied with Kazakhstan for first place. However, they ultimately secured the gold medal with a decisive 3.5-0.5 victory against Azerbaijan, while Kazakhstan settled for silver after a draw against the USA.
Divya Deshmukh, a newcomer to the team, played a pivotal role in India’s success, winning all her games and scoring 9.5 points. She was awarded the individual gold medal on board three.
The competition for silver and bronze was intense in both sections. In the open section, the USA, the event’s rating favorite, secured silver after defeating China in the final round. Uzbekistan, the defending champion, claimed bronze by narrowly defeating France.
In the women’s section, Kazakhstan’s strong performance secured them silver, while the USA earned bronze after tiebreaks with Spain, Armenia, and Georgia.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian chess. It is a testament to the country’s growing talent pool and the dedication of players and coaches. With a new generation of stars emerging, India is poised to remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.
First Piper 