Chennai: Hosts India "A" came up with an inspired show defeating Kazakhastan 3-1 in the eighth round of the TATA 14th IBCA Chess Olympiad for the Blind 2012 at Hotel Le Royal Meridien, Chennai here today. On the top table, Russia drew Ukraine 2-2 and now leads the table with 13 match points. Ukraine, Germany and Spain share the second spot with 12 match points. Further point behind were hosts India "A" at 11 match points, who would need a win tomorrow to have a shot at the podium finish.
Swapanil Shah and Kishan Gangollli gave India "A" a solid start, hoding Maklushov Serik and Bibikov Yuriy of Kazakhastan to draw. With a 7/8 performance Kishan Gangolli has played the superb sheet anchor for India's chances in this Olympiad. With 1-1 score on the cards, Darpan Inani and Makwana Ashvin exerted pressure on the Kazakhs. Darpan was the first to win, giving India "A" an all important lead. Makwana continued from where he left, and scored the win that keeps India's chances for a medal alive.
Earlier, Russians took a quick 2-2 draw, agreeing for peace on all the four boards against Ukraine. The draw kept the top seeds on the top of table with 13 match points. Spain and
Germany kept their medal chances alive scoring over Serbia and Venezuela respectively. The crucial penultimate round win takes Spain and Germany to the shared second spot along with Ukraine at 12 match points.
India "B" scored a thumping 3.5 - .05 win over Denmark. Atul Kakade drew in the top board, while Darshan Patel, Shirish Patil and Gaurav Gadodia scored over Nielsen Henning, Bremer Erik and Hansen Martin Mandrup respectively. The facile victory will help India "B" improve their final placing.
The last and final round is scheduled for tomorrow, when the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winners will be decided. The grand prize function is scheduled at 6PM in the playing hall.
Results (Round 8)
Russia (13) drew with Ukraine (12), Serbia (9) lost to Spain (12), Venezuela (9) lost to Germany (12), Kazakhastan (8) lost to India "A" (11), Slovenia (8) lost to United Kingdom (10), Bulgaria (7) playing Poland (8), Romania (6) playing Sweden (7), Iran (8) beat Slovakia (6), South Africa (5) lost to Croatia (8), Columbia (8) beat The Netherlands (1), Turkey (7) beat France (4), Denmark (4) lost to India "B" (7).
By Indian Sports News Network
