Chess Olympiad | Indian men’s team to take on second seed Russia

The men’s team had a setback in store in the fourth round of the Chess Olympiad when they lost to the top-seeded team from the USA. But apart from that one loss, the men’s team has done a commendable job. After the loss in the fourth round, they came back strong and defeated the Paraguay team by a margin of 3.5-0.5. India is currently at the joint eighth position in the points table after five rounds.

A tough sixth round awaits the Indian men against Russia. Much in the tournament hangs on the performance of the team in the key rounds, this round against Russia happens to be exactly that. The team is expected to be led by the five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, P Harikrishna and Vidit Gujrathi on the top three boards.

Harikrishna and Adhiban/Sasikiran are expected to play with white pieces to start with some comfort and Anand and Gujrathi will have the more difficult choice of black pieces.

The women’s category points table is being led by the USA team who are to face the second-placed Indian team in the next round. The Indian eves are just a point shy of the board leaders who are on top with ten points. 

Tania Sachdev, who has won four out of four matches in the Current Olympiad, Koneru Humpy, who is also looking strong on the top board, D Harika, and Eesha Karavade will take on against the table toppers.