Asian Games 2023: Indian Chess Teams Dominate Opening Round

Hangzhou: The Indian men’s and women’s chess teams kicked off their campaign at the Asian Games with impressive victories over Mongolia and the Philippines, each securing a 3.5-0.5 win in the first round. These matches were played in the classical time format, in contrast to the individual events, which were held in rapid format.

In the men’s category, the top-seeded Indian team saw GM Arjun Erigaisi leading the charge with a victory over IM Amartuvshin Ganzorig of Mongolia, playing with the black pieces. Vidit S Gujrathi and R Praggnanandhaa also contributed to the team’s success. GM D Gukesh, however, played to a draw against lower-ranked GM Bilguun Sumiya.

Praggnanandhaa secured a win against Batchuluun Tsegmed, while Gujrathi triumphed over Gan-Erdene Sugar. Meanwhile, the second-seeded Chinese team started with a 3-1 win over the Philippines, and Uzbekistan emerged victorious with the same scoreline against Kyrgyzstan.

In the women’s division, R Vaishali and B Savitha Shri led the way for India, securing victories in their matches. IM Vantika Agrawal played to a draw with Jan Jodilyn Fronda while D Harika clinched a convincing 3.5-0.5 win against HM Janelle Mae Frayna. Vaishali and Savitha Shri defeated Marie Antoinette San Diego and Bernadette Galas, respectively.

Meanwhile, the top-seeded Chinese women’s team faced strong opposition from Uzbekistan, seeded seventh, resulting in a 2-2 draw in their opening match at the Asian Games.