Chess Olympiad 2024: Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi Propel India to Victory in Round 6

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India continued their impressive run at the Chess Olympiad 2024, with both the men's and women's teams securing critical victories in Round 6, held on Monday, September 16.

The men's team faced off against Hungary, while the women's team took on Armenia. Both teams emerged triumphant, building on the momentum from their earlier rounds.

India Chess Olympiad 2024 Round 6 Scoreline

The Indian men's team secured a 3-1 victory against Hungary, while the women's team achieved a narrow 2.5-1.5 win over Armenia.

• Men's Team: India 3-1 Hungary
• Women's Team: India 2.5-1.5 Armenia

Indian Men's Team Dominates Hungary

The Indian men's team, continuing their fine form from previous rounds, overcame a formidable Hungarian side to secure a 3-1 victory. GMs Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi played pivotal roles in ensuring India's win, contributing two crucial victories that sealed the match.

On the first board, GM Gukesh Dommaraju faced Hungary's top player GM Richard Rapport. Despite both players demonstrating solid tactical play, the game ended in a draw with neither gaining the upper hand.

Meanwhile, GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu took on GM Peter Leko in another closely contested game that also resulted in a draw, keeping the scoreline balanced.

The real breakthroughs for India came from the third and fourth boards. GM Arjun Erigaisi delivered a critical win over GM Sanan Sjugirov, giving India the upper hand.

On the fourth board, GM Vidit Gujrathi displayed excellent composure to defeat GM Benjamin Gledura, securing the team's third point and confirming a strong 3-1 win for India.

Indian Women's Team Edges Armenia

In the women's section, the Indian team faced a tough challenge from Armenia but managed to scrape through with a 2.5-1.5 victory. The result hinged on the performances of IM Divya Deshmukh, who secured the only win for India, and draws from the other boards that maintained the team's advantage.

The first board saw GM Harika Dronavalli go up against IM Lilit Mkrtchian in a game that ended in a draw after an intense battle. Similarly, GM Vaishali Rameshbabu drew her game on the second board against WIM Mariam Mkrtchyan. These two draws kept India in the running.

However, it was IM Divya Deshmukh who provided the breakthrough India needed, defeating GM Elina Danielian on the third board. This crucial victory tipped the match in India's favor. On the fourth board, IM Tania Sachdev also managed a draw against IM Anna M Sargsyan, securing the overall win for India.

India's 5th Round Results

In the previous round, India also displayed their prowess. The men's team secured a commanding 3-1 win against Azerbaijan, with GM Gukesh, GM Arjun Erigaisi, and GM Vidit Gujrathi all contributing to the victory. Similarly, the women's team overcame Kazakhstan 2.5-1.5, led by key performances from GM Vaishali and IM Divya Deshmukh.