Gukesh wins as India men edge Germany 2.5-1.5; Indian women beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in ninth round at Samarkand
India's men's and women's teams both recorded victories in the ninth round of the Chess Olympiad at Samarkand on Friday, September 25, 2026, the men defeating Germany 2.5-1.5 and the women defeating host Uzbekistan 3-1.
Both Indian sides entered the round needing wins after settling for draws in round eight; the men faced a stern challenge from Germany while the women's team met the hosts in Samarkand as the tournament moved into its later stages.
The open match was decided on board four where World champion D. Gukesh defeated Alexander Donchenko with the black pieces in a 54-move game, coming back from an inferior position and executing a decisive knight manoeuvre; R. Praggnanandhaa drew with Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi drew with Matthias Bluebaum and Nihal Sarin drew with Frederik Svane as India prevailed 2.5-1.5. India now have 15 points and sit joint second in the open section alongside Uzbekistan (2) and Armenia, with Uzbekistan leading on 16 points.
Other open-section results from round nine included Uzbekistan beating the USA 2.5-1.5, China drawing with France 2-2, Uzbekistan (2) defeating the Netherlands 3.5-0.5 and Armenia overcoming Azerbaijan 2.5-1.5; Hungary beat Austria 3-1, Ukraine beat Georgia 2.5-1.5, Spain beat the Czech Republic 3-1, Bulgaria drew Turkiye 2-2 and Brazil drew Greece 2-2.
In the women's match, India won 3-1 against Uzbekistan with Koneru Humpy drawing with Afruza Khamdamova, Divya Deshmukh defeating Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, Vantika Agrawal beating Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva and B. Savitha Shri drawing with Guldona Karimova — Savitha, who had won her first seven games of the tournament, was forced to split the point for the first time. The Indian women have 15 points and are placed second alongside Kazakhstan and Mongolia, with China leading the standings on 17 points.
Other women's round-nine outcomes included China beating Armenia 3-1, Kazakhstan drawing with Mongolia, Georgia drawing with Greece, France beating Serbia 2.5-1.5, Poland beating Cuba 2.5-1.5, Indonesia beating Germany 2.5-1.5, Vietnam beating Bulgaria 3.5-0.5, the USA beating Canada 3-1, Azerbaijan beating the Czech Republic 4-0 and the Netherlands beating Argentina 2.5-1.5.
Just two rounds remain at the Olympiad. The ninth round was completed on Friday in Samarkand.
