How India men’s team can win gold in Chess Olympiad 2024?

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The Indian men's team is on the cusp of winning its maiden gold medal in the Chess Olympiad 2024. D Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa have all, but confirmed gold for India.

However, there is a small chance that they could end up missing the top prize. China has a slim chance of finishing on top, and so do Slovenia if results go their way or there could be share for the top honours.

India will lock horns with Slovenia in the last round while China will be up against the United States of America (USA). China are currently trailing India by two points. While India have 19 points, China are second with 17 points.

Slovenia have 16 points to their name and are placed third. If India go down to Slovenia and China win their last match, both teams will share the first place.

The tie-breaks will then determine the winner of the gold medal. India have a much better tie-breaker at the moment, but China will also fancy their chances.

India get closer to historic Chess Olympiad gold

Earlier, India beat the USA and took one step closer to bagging the gold medal. In the open section, Gukesh, who is also a Grandmaster and World Championship challenger, beat Fabiano Caruana, who is placed above him at No.3 in the rankings.

Gukesh put his American opponent under pressure in the middle game. Caruana lost a pawn, his second, under pressure as Gukesh went on to finish the match in 46 moves.

India did not make a great start after Praggnanandhaa lost to Wesley So to give USA an early lead. Gukesh kept India in the hunt after his incredible showing against Caruana.

Arjun had to work hard in his match against Lenier Dominguez. In the end, after five hours, he came up trumps as India prevailed over the USA.

India also have a chance to win gold in the women's section. The team, which has Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali and D Harika, will face Azerbaijan in the final round after beating China.