India cruise to the final of World Women Team Championship

In a nail biting semi-final encounter, India defeated third seed Georgia to book berth in the final of World Women Team Chess Championship at Sitges, Spain on Friday.

After the first match ended in peace treaty of 2 – 2, India made a remarkable victory in the second match 2. 5 – 1.5 to outwit former champion to earn the place in the final against top seed Russia on Saturday. R Vaishali defeated Nino Batsiashvili with dark colour pieces after captain D Harika drew her game against GM Nana Dzagnidze to give the edge while Tania Sachdev finished the job with a resounding victory over IM Meri Arabidze to make the score line in favour of India. Meanwhile Mary Ann Gomes tasted defeat from IM Lela Javakhishvili.

Earlier, the Indian team consists of GM D Harika, IM Bhakti Kulkarani, IM Tania Sachdev, WGM R Vaishali , WGM Mary Ann Gomes and coached by GM Abhijit Kunte defeated Kazakhstan in the Quarterfinal while finished second in Pool A behind Russia in League stage.