In the 8th Round, Indian teams drew their matches in both the Open and Women sections. In the Open, all four games ended in a draw. Gukesh had a great chance against Muradli Mahammad but could not convert it into a win. In the Women’s section, Savitha Shri helped Team India secure a draw against Kazakhstan. Savitha defeated Elnaz Kaliakhmet to score her 7th win in a row, making a perfect 7/7 points. In the 9th round, the Open team will face Germany while the Women’s team will face Uzbekistan. Another big piece of news of the day was Germany’s win against Uzbekistan. Photo: Michal Walusza
Open Section: India vs. Azerbaijan (0.5-0.5)
It was a solid clash between two super-strong teams; on the top board, Praggnanandhaa made a solid draw against Shakhriyar Mamedyarov with white pieces. On the 2nd board, Arjun drew against Aydin Suleymanli. On the 3rd board, Gukesh had serious chances against Muradli, but he let them slip. On the last board, Vidit made a solid draw with black pieces.
Gukesh missed a huge opportunity to convert his advantage into a full point against Muradli | Photo: Michal Walusza
Board 1: R. Praggnanandhaa vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (0.5-0.5)
Pragg had some minor chances against Mamedyarov, but in practical play it’s very tough to convert them into an advantage, and both players agreed to draw.
A good result on the top board by India no.1 | Photo: Michal Walusza
R. Praggnanandhaa vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov (0.5-0.5) | Photo: Michal Walusza
Board 2: Aydin Suleymanli vs. Arjun Erigaisi (0.5-0.5)
It was a solid hold by Arjun with the black pieces; at one point, he was looking into some trouble, but he managed to navigate through it and hold a draw.
Arjun is trying to get into his peak form | Photo: Michal Walusza
Aydin Suleymanli vs. Arjun Erigaisi (0.5-0.5) | Photo: Michal Walusza
Board 3: D. Gukesh vs. Mahammad Muradli (0.5-0.5)
Gukesh had a winning position against Muradli, but it was a tough task to convert it into a win. Gukesh tried his best to create some chances and pose some questions, but Muradli played a great game and defended properly even under time pressure.
Focused as always | Photo: Michal Walusza
It was a complex position where proving the advantage was not so easy | Photo: Michal Walusza
Post-match Analysis | Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz
Board 4: Rauf Mamedov vs. Vidit Gujrathi (0.5-0.5)
Vidit made a solid draw with black pieces against Mamedov
Rauf Mamedov vs. Vidit Gujrathi (0.5-0.5) | Photo: Michal Walusza