India bounce back in Round 7, remain in medal hunt at the olympiad
India bounced back in Round 7 of the Chess Olympiad 2026 as Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa led a 2.5-1.5 win over England, while the women defeated Germany…
India bounced back in Round 7 of the Chess Olympiad 2026 as Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa led a 2.5-1.5 win over England, while the women defeated Germany 3.5-0.5.
India produced a strong response after their setbacks in Round 6 of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, securing victories in both the Open and Women’s sections in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The defending champions defeated England 2.5-1.5 in the Open section, while the Indian women registered a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over Germany. The results kept both teams firmly in the fight for the medals with four rounds remaining.
Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa lead India's recovery
In the Open section, R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh delivered the crucial wins against England.
Praggnanandhaa defeated Nikita Vitiugov on the top board, producing an attacking performance to give India an early advantage. Gukesh then defeated Daniel Howard Fernandez with the black pieces to secure another important point.
Arjun Erigaisi was held to a draw by veteran Michael Adams, while Nihal Sarin suffered a defeat against Luke McShane.
India eventually prevailed 2.5-1.5, taking their match-point tally to 12 after seven rounds. They have won six matches and lost one so far.
The result also maintained Gukesh's unbeaten run at the Olympiad. The reigning world champion is attempting to help India retain the Open title after being part of the gold-medal winning teams in 2022 and 2024.
India women thrash Germany
The Women’s team produced an even more convincing result, defeating Germany 3.5-0.5.
Koneru Humpy defeated Dinara Wagner, while Divya Deshmukh secured a win against Hanna Marie Klek. Savitha Shri continued her outstanding tournament with another victory, while R Vaishali drew her game.
Savitha's victory extended her perfect individual record to seven wins from seven games, making her the only player at the Olympiad to have won every game she has played so far.
India now have 12 match points from seven rounds and sit third in the Women’s standings. China and Kazakhstan lead the table with 13 points each after their 2-2 draw in Round 7.
Uzbekistan continue to dominate Open section
Hosts Uzbekistan remain the team to beat in the Open section.
The home side defeated China 3-1 in Round 7, extending their perfect record to seven wins from seven matches. Nodirbek Abdusattorov defeated Ding Liren, while Nodirbek Yakubboev also secured a victory against Yu Yangyi.
Uzbekistan have 14 match points and lead the standings by two points. India, the Netherlands, Germany, Azerbaijan and Armenia form the chasing group on 12 points.
India are third on tiebreak after seven rounds, behind Uzbekistan and the Netherlands.
India face Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in Round 8
The eighth round presents another major test for both Indian teams.
In the Open section, India face Azerbaijan, who also have 12 match points. Praggnanandhaa is scheduled to face Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, while Arjun Erigaisi takes on Aydin Suleymanli. Gukesh faces Mahammad Muradli and Vidit Gujrathi plays Rauf Mamedov.
The Indian Women’s team face Kazakhstan, who are joint leaders with China on 13 match points. The clash could have a major impact on the medal race as India look to close the gap at the top.
With four rounds remaining after Round 7, India remain firmly in contention for another double-gold campaign in Samarkand.