Divya shines as India stun China Qualify for Chess Olympiad quarters
| Date :24-Aug-2020 |
Sports Reporter :
Qualify for Chess Olympiad quarters
NAGPUR’S Divya Deshmukh starred with a crucial win as India stunned a formidable China 4-2 in the ninth and final preliminary round to make quarter-finals of the FIDE Online Chess Olympiad on Sunday. The Indian team, which finished at the top of Top Division Pool ‘A’, will play the quarter-finals against a yet-to-be-decided opponent on August 28. Four draws and two wins on Under-20 boards helped India pull off the victory against the Chinese.
Divya, a former world Under-10 and 12 champion, put it across Jiner Zhu to underline her potential after 15-year-old R Praggnanandhaa appeared to be on the ropes, but managed to turn the tables on Liu Yan and finished with a perfect 6/6 score. Earlier in the day, in the seventh round against Georgia that India won 4-2, Divya outsmarted Diana Lomaia. Former world champ Viswanathan Anand being held to a draw by Levan Pantsulaia.
Divya did not play the 8th round where India beat Germany 4.5-1.5. On Saturday, Divya proved her mettle as she saved India from a what would have been a shocking defeat at the hands of a lowly-ranked Mongolia. Mongolia managed to record three draws against India. After Indian captain Vidit Gujarathi and world rapid champion Koneru Humpy’s defeats, junior players Divya, Praggnanandhaa and Aravindh Chithambaram saved the side with upset wins.
Divya defeated Mongolian Davaakhuu Munkzhul while Praggnanandhaa beat Dambasuren Batsuren and Chithambaram got the better of Gombosuren Munkghal. India claimed the top spot in Pool A with 17 points and 39.5 board points and became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals. India No 2 Harikrishna said he was delighted with the win over China and credited the youngsters Divya and Praggnanandhaa. The pool winners advance directly to the quarter-finals while the second third-placed team from each of the four pools move to the preliminary phase of the knock-out.