NEW DELHI: India’s women’s chess team secured an important 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Friday during the third round of the 45th Chess Olympiad. This win keeps them in a joint lead with six points.
D Harika faced Alexandra Kosteniuka, former world women’s champion, on the top board. Despite a balanced start, Harika made a critical error in the middle game, which allowed Kosteniuk to win.
The Indian team recovered through strong performances by R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agarwal.Vaishali, playing white, defeated Ghazal Hakimifard by taking advantage of Hakimifard’s errors.
Divya Deshmukh maintained her good form, building on her recent World Junior Girls’ Championship win, and won against Sofiia Hryzlova. On the fourth board, Vantika Agarwal outplayed Mariia Manko, sealing the victory for India.
Indian Results (Round 3 – Women):
D Harika faced Alexandra Kosteniuka, former world women’s champion, on the top board. Despite a balanced start, Harika made a critical error in the middle game, which allowed Kosteniuk to win.
The Indian team recovered through strong performances by R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agarwal.Vaishali, playing white, defeated Ghazal Hakimifard by taking advantage of Hakimifard’s errors.
Divya Deshmukh maintained her good form, building on her recent World Junior Girls’ Championship win, and won against Sofiia Hryzlova. On the fourth board, Vantika Agarwal outplayed Mariia Manko, sealing the victory for India.
Indian Results (Round 3 – Women):
- Alexandra Kosteniuk (Switzerland) beat D Harika (India)
- R Vaishali (India) beat Ghazal Hakimifard (Switzerland)
- Divya Deshmukh (India) beat Sofiia Hryzlova (Switzerland)
- Vantika Agrawal (India) beat Mariia Manko (Switzerland)