The Indian men's team inched one step closer to a historic Chess Olympiad gold medal in Budapest, as it vanquished Iran by a thumping 3.5-0.5 margin on Thursday (September 19, 2024). India now have eight wins from as many rounds, amounting to 16 points in what has been a remarkable unbeaten campaign thus far. (More Sports News)
The in-form D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi won with black pieces, while Vidit Gujrathi claimed victory with white. R Praggnanandhaa was the only one to be h꧃eld to a draw in what was a creditable performance against opponents as🧸 challenging as Iran.
Arjun first claimed a superb win against Daneshvar♏ Bardiya, creating a strong checkmating attack on the white king and finishing off with a queen sacrifice.
Gukesh then followed up his sensational win the previous day with another strong performance on Thursday. He beat Parham Maghsoodloo from a tricky position, pouncin💟g on 𒀰an error from Parham to bring home the full point.
Praggnanandhaa was the only Indian player uꦦnder pressure with black pieces, up against Amin Tabatabaei. Amin was unable to find the right moves to hold Pragg to a draw.
Gujrathi claimed a splendid win with white pieces against Pouya Idani, converting his positional advantage to ♏a material one an🦩d handing India the third win to seal the match by a resounding 3.5-0.5 scoreline.
With the victory, India stretched their lead at the top of the table and with three mo🦹re rounds to go, are in a very good position to bag the country's first-ever Olympiad gold medal.