2024 Chess Olympiad: Round 7
2024 Chess Olympiad: Round 7
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
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In round 7 of the 2024 Chess Olympiad, a titanic match occurred between two regional rivals and the world’s most populous nations. India, which overtook China as the most populous nation, holds an impressive lead with 6/6. China had already been nicked for a draw. Vietnam and Iran were also 1/2-point back and would face each other in another battle of eastern powers.
The game of the round was a “Battle of the Titans” as D. Gukesh faced former prodigy, Wei Yi. The buzz floating through the hall was the conspicuous absence of Ding Liren who is set to play Gukesh in November for the world title. Ding was seen in the hall so apparently he was healthy. Others thought he may have been avoiding exposing his preparation. Peter Svidler weighed in on the subject.
Peter Svidler, before round 7 started: "I don't think you will find very many examples of the reigning World Champion not playing board 1 in an absolutely critical central match of the #ChessOlympiad… For him not to want to play Gukesh in a match, China absolutely needs to win.… pic.twitter.com/mFEYyFBApc
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 18, 2024
While Svidler’s comments were understood, it is unclear whether he appreciated the nuances of the India-China match dynamics. One player mentioned that Anatoly Karpov also sat out against Viktor Korchnoi who was the candidates winner. Perhaps there were matchup issues, but it is clear that Wei Yi (undefeated 4/5) is playing better than Ding Liren (winless 2/5), who lost a key match against Le Quang Liem in the last round.
Ding seemed distraught over that loss since it would be the margin of victory for Vietnam. Wei Yi had also beaten Gukesh at the Tata Steel Masters in a blitz tiebreak earlier in the year. Nevertheless, the Wei Yi – Gukesh game was a thrilling encounter! Perhaps this will be the subject of an endgame manual.
… and the moment captured by ChessBase India.
That moment when Gukesh defeated Wei Yi, and India defeated China 2.5-1.5 in the 7th round of the Chess Olympiad! An endgame for the ages. #chess #chessbaseindia #chessolympiad pic.twitter.com/MUInmrDWl3
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) September 18, 2024
It appeared that Wang Yue squandered an advantage against Pentala Harikrishna and was being consoled by the team captain.
Wang Yue (China) after giving up a draw against Pentala Harikrishna (India).
Photo by Michal Walusza
Thus, India goes to a perfect 7/7. Iran won over Vietnam and defending champion Uzbekistan crushed Ukraine 3-1. So… India, Iran, and Uzbekistan are 1-2-3, resulting in India-Iran and Uzbekistan-Serbia, who beat the resurgent Netherlands. The U.S. has slowly clawed its way back into medal contention by beating Greece and coming into a point of the bronze. They will most likely have to beat India to have any chance at a medal.
Photo by Maria Emelianova
Women
Another win for the Indian women’s team now pushing their score to 7/7. Beating traditional power Georgia was a statement. In past years, Olympic gold has been elusive, but with so many players giving great performances seemed poised to win. One player who doesn’t get much attention is Vantika Agrawal, but she is by far the most expressive at the board.
Vankita Agrawal is having a great showing in Budapest with 4.5/5.
Photo by Michal Walusza, Anna Shtourmann
Poland beat perennial contender Ukraine, who happens to be playing without the Muzychuk sisters. Poland’s Oliwia Kiolbasa had an outstanding Olympiad in Chennai with 9.5/11, and she had been undefeated before round 7. Just as she lost her only game against Ukraine in 2022, she lost her first game of the event to Nataliya Buksa this round in 73 moves. The game appeared headed for a draw, but Kiolbasa started to go astray, and the knight ending (very much like pawn endings) came down to a matter of tempos.
Olympiad Spotlight
Photo by Mike Livshitz