New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Defending champions India began their campaign at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with a 3-1 victory over Thailand, but the result was overshadowed by a major upset on the top board where Arjun Erigaisi was defeated by Thailand’s little-known Prin Laohawirapap.
Reigning world champion D. Gukesh, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi secured victories on the other three boards to ensure India opened its campaign with a team win in the Open section.
Erigaisi had held the advantage for much of his game, but a tactical error in the closing stages allowed Laohawirapap to seize the initiative. With both players facing severe time pressure, Erigaisi encountered a difficult position in which he needed to find a precise defensive continuation while preserving his extra pawn and winning chances.
Instead, the Indian grandmaster blundered, allowing his opponent to launch a dangerous attack against his king. Erigaisi continued the struggle for 54 moves before resigning.
Gukesh defeated Alriyami Faris Rashid, while Sarin overcame Kulpruethanon Thanadon and Vidit beat Khumnorkaew Tupfah.
Several leading teams recorded convincing victories in the opening round of the Swiss League event. Hosts Uzbekistan defeated Jamaica 4-0, while top seeds the United States, playing without Fabiano Caruana, beat Iraq 3.5-0.5. China, Germany, Azerbaijan, France, Armenia and England were among the teams to register 4-0 victories.
Botswana produced one of the day’s notable team performances, holding Brazil to a 2-2 draw despite Botswana’s players entering all four boards with ratings more than 400 Elo points below their Brazilian opponents.
In the women’s section, defending champions India began with a commanding 4-0 victory over the Dominican Republic. Koneru Humpy, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B won their respective games.
Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, the United States, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, France and Poland also opened their women’s campaigns with 4-0 victories.
FOLLOW NOW
