Good Day for India

Good Day for India
By Gopakumar International Arbiter

The Indian Men and Women team had a happy Sunday as they defeated Azerbaijan ‘B’ and Philippines respectively in the ongoing 42nd World Chess Olympiad at Baku, Azerbaijan.

India rested Karthikeyan Murali for the crucial third round match against the host B team and introduced the top board player P Harikrishna after two rounds of rest. Taking a cautious approach, Hari agreed to split the score with GM Vasif Durarbayli rated 2612 by three fold repetition in 23 moves with black pieces. On second board, continuing his winning streak B Adhiban defeated GM Nijat Abasov in 53 moves with white pieces and Vidit Gujrathi also added full point to the Indian score line by defeating GM Ulvi Bajarni with dark pieces on board three. On fourth board, Sethuraman S P signed the peace treaty after 40 moves against GM Gadir Guseinov to register 3 -1 victory for India.
In the Women section, playing safe with black pieces on top board after first match debacle, Dronavalli Harika settled for half point against WIM Janelle Mae Frayna after 41 moves while Tania Sachdev and Soumya Swaminathan maintained their perfect run by defeating Christy Lamiel Bernales and WIM Catherine Secopito respectively. Playing after second round rest, Padmini Rout outwitted WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda to make a comfortable 3.5 – 0.5 score line for India.

In the fourth round, India takes on Cuba in Open while Women are pitted against Israel.