Mixed start for both Indian teams in the Asian Nations (Regions) Online Cup 2020

Top seeded Indian men’s team led by GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly began the day with 4-0 wins against New Zealand and Iraq in the first and third round. Our men drew the second round 2-2 against Kyrgyzstan, as Adhiban and Sethuraman surprisingly lost their games against lower rated opponents Tologontegin, Semetey (2322) and Abdyjapar, Asyl (2390). But Ganguly and Sasikiran restored parity winning their games giving India a match draw.

The Asian Nations (Regions) Men & Women Online Cup 2020 runs from October 11 to 19, 2020. The Men’s section has 38 countries playing, comprising 29 GMs & 103 titled players, from a total of 189 players. The Women’s team had 31 countries participating with 10 WGMs & 75 titled players, from a total of 154 players. At stake is $20000 prize money with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to be won. The tournament is supported by the FIDE Development Fund and Asian Chess Federation.

On the distaff side, Indian women had a sober day as they started with two wins against Syria 4-0 & Mongolia 2.5-1.5 before going down to Iran by a similar margin. Vaishali accounted for the strongest player, the Iranian top board IM Khademalsharieh, Sarasadat (2393). But India dropped 2.5 in the next three boards as Bhakti & Nandhidhaa lost while Padmini drew giving us a final score of 1.5-2.5 against Iran. This bunch of young Indian girls led by experienced WGM Mary Ann Gomes will bounce back into contention with more rounds to come.

Complete Results :
http://chess-results.com/tnr537141.aspx?lan=1&art=0&turdet=YES&flag=30