45th Chess Olympiad R7: World champion ducks Gukesh, his masterpiece crumbles the infallible China
19/09/2024 - Those who were eagerly waiting to see D Gukesh face off Ding Liren will have to wait a little longer. The world champion was given a rest in the crucial battle against India. Gukesh is always determined to deliver his best. That was evident in the seventh round battle against Wei Yi. He played fantastic chess to beat his nemesis, a rivalry which has been building since the beginning of the year. The remaining three games ending in draws meant Gukesh's win gave India their first win over China in decades. Iran is the only team trailing them at 13/14. GM R Vaishali and IM Vantika Agrawal scored the crucial victories over IM Lela Javakhishvili and GM Bella Khotenashvili respectively, to increase India Women's lead by two points. Poland, Kazakhstan and France are at 12/14 each. Iran will take on Indian men and Poland against Indian women in Round 8. It begins today at 3 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST. Photo: FIDE/Michal Walusza