Round Nine
Anand Causes Celebration
Humpy Gives India 2-1 Win Against Ukraine
By Arvind Aaron
India made progress in the women's section with its second successive 2-1 win with Koneru Humpy hunting down the king of Natalia Zhukova with the white pieces in the ninth round. That was after Vijayalakshmi and Harika had played draws in the two other boards. Indians are on 17.5 points and are doing better than their seeding.
Nobody can question the fighting spirit of Vijayalakshmi as she fought till king v king was reached with the black pieces against Gaponenko. Harika drew with white and is the only Indian player without a victory. The position against child prodigy and world's youngest WGM Lahno was in balance when Harika agreed to a draw.
India and China are the only undefeated teams in the women's competition. China played and won nine matches while India won six and drew three matches. China won 3-0 against Lithuania to further enhance their lead. Strangely, both Xie Jun and Victoria Cmilyte did not play each other as they rested themselves with the board prize interest in mind. China are on 23.5/27 and are sure candidates for the Vera Menchik Olympiad Cup.
There was celebration with delighted Indians at the pressroom after Anand has scored the first point against the Russians on the top board. "It was a revenge for my loss to him at Dortmund some time back," said Anand.
"I thought I was winning from the opening," said Anand who won an exchange and later the game with the white pieces using the Maroczy bind in 45 moves. The mood was upbeat while we were leading 1.5-0.5 for a long time until the lower boards decided the outcome against us.
The second board game was a secure 31-move draw with Russia not getting anything with the white. "I failed to get any advantage," said Svidler. "I had not won a game after round two," said Sasikiran.
The joy was shortlived though as Russia took the match at 2.5-1.5 with victories in the lower boards. Zviaginsev won in 114 moves after Ganguly missed drawing chances in the queen and pawn ending. Earlier, Harikrishna had lost to Dreev by sacrificing too many pawns. The Russian won with knight and three pawns against Hari's rook.
Ukraine's speed was pulled back by Armenia as they were held to a 2-2 draw. Old horse Vaganian beat Pononariov and Ukraine hit back on the third board to level the score. Surprisingly, Karjakin, the emerging star was rested by the Ukrainian captain. Nevertheless, Ukraine lead the Olympiad with 27 points. Russia is on 24.5, followed by USA 24, Israel on 23. India lost ground after their second defeat to stay at 22.5
points.