R. Praggnanandhaa was in a spot of bother against Javokhir Sindarov but the Indian defended well to secure a draw. Arjun Erigaisi gained an early advantage against Shamsiddin Vokhidov and had his chance in the final moves but couldn't press through.

CHENNAI: Vantika Agrawal pulled a colony of rabbits from her hat to keep the women’s team withing handshaking distance of team gold at the ongoing Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Up against the US team, one of the front-runners behind the Indian side for a shot at gold,

International Master Vantika Agrawal's crucial victory secured a 2-2 draw for India against the US in the 45th Chess Olympiad. Despite some setbacks, Indian women remain in strong contention. The Indian men stayed in sole lead but will face a crucial match against the US next.

International Master Vantika Agrawal's decisive win against Grandmaster Irina Krush ensured India drew 2-2 with the United States in the ninth round of the women's section at the 45th Chess Olympiad.

The draw ensures that India will head into the final two rounds of the Chess Olympiad with a slight advantage over the chasing pack — India have 17 points while the Uzbek team has 15.

India, on sole lead with 17 match points, remains in a commanding position for the gold in the Open section and will face USA in Round 10 on Saturday

India are still the table leader with a two-point lead over the US in the open section at Chess Olympiad 2024, while the women’s team is second, one point behind Kazakhstan, with two more rounds to go.