In a nail biting Quarter Final match India defeated France in a tie breaker to advance to the Semi Final of World Team Chess Championship at Jerusalem on Friday.
In the first leg of Quarter Final, Vidit Gujarathi and S L Naryanan got decisive results in India’s favour beating Maxime Vachier Lagrave and Laurent Fressinet while Nihal and Sasikrian drew their respective games to give a 3 – 1 score line in India’s favour.
However, in the second duel France came back strongly to beat India in the same margin to level the score.
In the tie breaker Blitz match, Vidit drew his game against Maxime Vachier Lagrave while Sasikiran tasted defeat from the hands of Maxime Lagarde. S L Narayanan defeated Laurent Fressinet to make the things even. Raising to the occasion, Nihal Sarin registered crucial win over Jules Moussard to ensure the Semi Final spot for India.
On Thursday, India will take on Olympiad Gold medalist Uzbekistan in the second semi final while Spain and China will decide other finalist.
Photo: FIDE/Mark Livshitz & Maria Emelianova