Chess Olympiad: Uzbekistan hands India its first loss; women beat USA

In perhaps the most anticipated match at the Chess Olympiad, India went down to Uzbekistan 1.5-2.5 at Samarkand on Monday. It was not just the clash between the world’s two strongest nations in terms of young chess talent, but the one between the defending champion and the host.

It was India’s first defeat in the competition, after registering five consecutive wins. The Indian women, however, bounced back after their disappointing loss in the previous round; they beat the United States 3-1.

The much-needed victory was fashioned by Vantika Agrawal and B. Savitha Shri, after Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh drew their games on the top two boards. It was Savitha’s fifth win in as many games; she was rested in India’s defeat to Poland in the previous round. She beat Rose Atwell, while Vantika overcame Irina Krush in a long game, converting her advantageous position with patience, in 65 moves.