India celebrated a historic victory in the open section of the Chess Olympiad, clinching the championship title after a stellar performance by D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi against Slovenia in the final round. This achievement, secured on September 22 in Budapest, marks India's first Chess Olympiad title, as they narrowly edged out China, who finished in second place after dropping points in their match against the USA.
The decisive match against Slovenia saw Arjun Erigaisi triumph over Jan Subelj, while Gukesh secured a crucial victory against Vladimir Fedoseev. Arjun's win positioned India for gold, with Gukesh sealing the deal by earning the necessary point, culminating in a highly successful campaign that included eight consecutive victories before a draw with defending champions Uzbekistan.
India’s journey through the tournament was marked by resilience and skill. They rebounded swiftly from their only draw to deliver a powerful performance against the top-seeded USA in the penultimate round, effectively securing their lead in the competition. This victory represents a significant leap from their performance in the 2022 Olympiad, where they took home the bronze medal on home turf, and echoes their earlier bronze win in the 2014 tournament.
Gukesh's impressive play against the USA was notable, showcasing his ability to remain calm under pressure while overcoming higher-ranked opponents, including World Championship contender Fabiano Caruana. India's ascent in the tournament was further solidified with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over Iran just before the decisive rounds, propelling them to 16 points and extending their lead over Hungary and Uzbekistan.
Arjun Erigaisi, currently ranked fourth in the world, showcased his talent throughout the tournament, accumulating an impressive 7.5 points from eight games. His recent performances have brought him tantalizingly close to the prestigious 2800 rating mark, a feat achieved by only a select few in chess history. Should he cross this threshold, he would become only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve such a rating.
Both players employed strategic openings in their matches, with Arjun opting for a reverse Benoni, leading to tactical complications that overwhelmed his opponent. Gukesh, playing the Dubov variation of the Tarrasch defense, caught his opponent off guard, ultimately leading to a decisive victory. Vidit Gujrathi and Praggnanandhaa also contributed to the team's success, demonstrating a well-rounded and formidable Indian squad.
This landmark victory not only highlights the prowess of Indian chess players but also sets the stage for future competitions, establishing a new benchmark for excellence in the sport.
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