WORLD CUP BEGINS; GOOD DAY FOR INDIA

World Cup 2021 got off to a rousing start on Monday at Sochi, Russia and Indian players shined on Day one. Erode based P Iniyan outwitted higher rated Swiss Grandmaster Sebastian Bogner while B Adhiban, Aravindh Chithambaram, R Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin also started their world cup campaign in style by registering easy victories in the opening round. The only minor set back was D Gukesh settling for a draw against International Master Pawel Teclaf of Poland.

Adhiban defeated Chilesto Chipanga of Malawi while Aravindh, Nihal and Praggnanandhaa outwitted International Masters Michale Concio Jr of Philippines, Arthur Ssegwanyi of Uganda and Paulo Bersamina of Philippines respectively.

Meanwhile India No. 2 P Harikrishna and No. 3 Vidit Santosh Gujarathi moved to the second round after receiving Bye. 64 players compete in the second round of this Knockout event.

In the Women event, Bhakti Kulkarni moved to the second round after getting walk over from her Russian opponent Anastasya Paramzina, who not turned up for the round. Padmini Rout and Vaishali also proved superior to their opponents and defeated Uliviyya Fataliyeva of Azerbaijan and Zhou Qiyu of Canada respectively. Harika reached round of 32 after getting Bye in the opening round.

Photos by FIDE