Indian Women’s team face first loss; Men win against Czech Republic

GM Adhiban Baskaran. [Photo Credit: David Llada]

43rd Olympiad Batumi 2018 Open & Women

Grandmaster Sasikiran Krishnan guided Indian team to a 2.5-1.5 win over team Czech Republic but the women’s team suffered a shocking 1-3 defeat against Hungary in the eighth round of the 43rd Chess Olympiad, Batumi.

Reigning World Champion Viswanathan Anand was held to an easy draw by David Navara, Vidit Gujrathi split points with Viktor Laznicka. Similarly, Adhiban Baskaran drew with Hracek Zbynek. With 13 points, the Indian team assured themselves of a joint third place with three rounds still to go.

India’s experienced player,  Sasikiran Krishnan, playing with white pieces gave the much-needed win on the fourth board in 36 moves against Jiri Stocek.

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In the women’s section, India suffered a major setback as in-form Koneru Humpy and Tania Sachdev both lost to Hoang Thang Trang and Ticia Gara of Hungary, respectively.

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The second board saw India’s Harika Dronavalli splitting points with Anita Gara. On the fourth board India’s Eesha Karvade drew with Julianna Terbe.

Team pairings – Open

Team pairings – Women