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Chess Olympiad: India Regroups After Uzbekistan Loss, Eyes Comeback Against England
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News18•22-09-2026, 11:15
Chess Olympiad: India Regroups After Uzbekistan Loss, Eyes Comeback Against England
- •India's title defense at the Chess Olympiad is in disarray after a loss to hosts Uzbekistan, leaving them with 10 points after six rounds.
- •The team will use the rest day to regroup and introspect before facing England, currently two points behind sole leader Uzbekistan.
- •Nihal Sarin's first loss of the event on the third board contributed to India's defeat against Uzbekistan, with other matches ending in draws.
- •Early jitters saw Arjun Erigaisi lose to his Thai counterpart in the first round, and a narrow win against Indonesia highlighted initial struggles.
- •Despite a strong comeback against Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands in rounds 3-5, India now sits in a tied fourth spot; upcoming matches against Germany and USA are crucial for a podium finish.
Key Questions Answered
The host team Uzbekistan defeated the Indian men's team 2.5-1.5, taking the sole lead with 12 points while leaving India tied on 10 points after six rounds.
Nihal Sarin suffered his first defeat of the event on the third board against Nodirbek Yakubboev after squandering a promising position.
Following the rest day on Tuesday, the Indian men's team will return to action to face a rejuvenated England team featuring theoretician Nikita Vitiugov on the top board.
