Chess Olympiad 2026: India’s Gold Defence Faces Final-Round Test

India’s bid to retain both Chess Olympiad titles will go into the final round with gold no longer entirely in their hands after contrasting Round 10 results on Saturday. The Indian men produced a commanding 3.5-0.5 victory over Uzbekistan-2, while the women drew 2-2 with leaders China after an anxious contest.

The men reached 17 points and hold sole second place in the open section, but Uzbekistan-1 stayed ahead on 18 points after their own 3.5-0.5 win over Armenia. India are well placed in the race for silver, yet a successful gold defence requires a convincing final-round result as well as Uzbekistan dropping points.

In the women’s competition, China moved to 18 points with the draw against India. Kazakhstan took sole second on 17 points after beating France 2.5-1.5, leaving India third on 16. The result kept India’s hopes alive, but the defending champions now need multiple results to go their way.

Indian men deliver comprehensive Uzbekistan-2 win

India’s open-team victory was built on wins by D Gukesh, Nihal Sarin and R Praggnanandhaa. Nihal was the first Indian player to put a full point on the board against Uzbekistan-2, overcoming Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov with the black pieces.

Nihal grabbed a couple of pawns early in the game and forced the issue from there, giving India an important early advantage in the match. His result set the tone for a round in which the Indian team converted its opportunities across the boards.

World champion Gukesh followed with a victory over Ortik Nigmatov. Arjun drew on the second board, the only half-point India conceded in the 3.5-0.5 scoreline. Praggnanandhaa then completed the emphatic team result by defeating Jakhongir Vakhidov.

The performance kept India firmly in contention at the top of the open standings entering the penultimate-round aftermath. However, Uzbekistan-1’s win against Armenia meant the leaders retained their one-point advantage. With Uzbekistan described as looking invincible after another comprehensive result, India’s final assignment carries significance both for their own score and for the outcome of the title race above them.

Women hold China as Savitha Shri continues standout event

India’s women shared the points with China, who began the round as leaders and remained in front after the 2-2 result. Savitha Shri delivered the key Indian victory, beating Zhai Mo to help the team navigate difficult moments in the match.

The win was Savitha Shri’s eighth of the Olympiad, taking her to 8.5 points from nine games. Her contribution ensured India did not lose ground entirely against the leaders and preserved the team’s remaining chance of challenging for the top honours.

China’s 18 points put them one clear of Kazakhstan, whose 2.5-1.5 victory over France lifted them into sole second. India’s 16-point total leaves them in third, two points off China with one round remaining. That gap means India require more than a final-round win alone if they are to repeat their title-winning performance from the previous Olympiad.

For the men, the equation is similarly demanding but more immediate: India must win handsomely and need Uzbekistan-1 to lose. For the women, the draw with China prevented the leaders from opening an even larger gap, but India now await a final round in which several results must favour them. Both Indian teams remain in medal contention, while their prospects of defending gold depend on the last set of matches.