GM, SP Sethuraman defeated former World Championship challenger Nigel Short in clinical fashion to help India to beat England in the eighth round match of the 42nd World Chess Olympiad at Baku, Azerbaijan.
After a disappointing seventh round against USA, the Indian youngsters came back strongly to register a resounding 2.5 – 1.5 victory over England. On top board, Harikrishna signed the peace treaty with seasoned campaigner Michael Adams while Adhiban and Vidit Gujarathi signed the peace treaty with David Howell and Gawain Jones respectively.
India is now at joint first position along with USA and Ukraine. Overnight sole leader USA split the point with Russia which helped India and Ukraine to catch up with the leaders. Ukraine defeated Georgia 3 – 1 in the eighth round encounter. In the ninth round tomorrow India takes on Ukraine on top table while USA paired against Norway.
In the Women section, India moved to joint fifth position after defeating Uzbekistan 2.5 – 1.5 in the eighth round battle. Dronavalli Harika defeated WGM Nafisa Muminova while Padmini Rout, Soumya Swaminathan and Pratyusha Bodda settled for half point against WIM Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, IM Sarvinoz Kurbonboeva and Nodira Nadirjanova respectively.
USA and China with 14 points are now leading the point table in women section after defeating Russia and Azerbaijan respectively in the eighth round.
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