India's campaign at the 2024 Chess Olympiad got a massive boost after Gukesh D, World No. 7, led the Indian team to a thrilling victory over China in Round 7 of the Chess Olympiad. With the match tied 1.5-1.5, it all came down to Gukesh, who outmanoeuvred World No. 8 Wei Yi in a tricky endgame, securing a 2.5-1.5 win for India.
The six-hour contest was a nail-biter from the start, but after three draws, it seemed like it was set to be decided on the top board. Gukesh displayed remarkable composure and strategic brilliance, navigating a complex endgame with two knights against a rook. His ability to outmanoeuvre Wei Yi in that situation tilted the game towards India.
This triumph marked India's seventh consecutive victory in the tournament, further solidifying their position as a top contender for the gold medal at the FIDE Chess Olympiad in the Open category.
Gukesh has been instrumental in maintaining the team's momentum. His ability to remain calm and focused during high-pressure situations has made him a formidable force in this tournament.
As India marches ahead in the Olympiad, the team's confidence is at an all-time high, and the possibility of a gold medal seems within reach.
Chess Olympiad: Gukesh D vs Wei Yi Reactions
"Sometimes it's not so much that you lose but your opponent wins," says Naroditsky as Gukesh wins the Game of the Day so that India defeats China and he goes up to #5 in the world!https://t.co/uryUgLHjfr#ChessOlympiadpic.twitter.com/sKYtLOD6tg
— chess24 (@chess24com) September 18, 2024
Here are some of the best reactions from the world of social media after the result.
"A draw converted to a win against the top chess player of China in the chess Olympiad, leading INDIA to 2.5-1.5. More intense than any last ball thriller of biggest IPL matches."
"Gukesh played a brilliant endgame today to defeat Wei Yi. One of the best chess end games that I have seen."
"With just 4 more rounds to go, Gold is not very far away!"
Meanwhile, Grandmaster R Vaishali and Vantika Agrawal came up with splendid efforts to down Lela Javakhishvili and Bella Khotenashvili, respectively, as the Indian women's team continued its unbeaten run with a thumping 3-1 victory over Georgia at the 45th Chess Olympiad on Wednesday. India remains unbeaten after seven rounds and holds the top spot at the Women's Section of the Chess Olympiad.