Savitha Shri turns to Vaishali as four-win streak continues at Chess Olympiad

B. Savitha Shri won four successive games at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, the 19-year-old WGM's run reported on September 20, 2026. Her streak on the fourth board has made her one of the event's standout performers.

A bronze medallist at the World Rapid Championship in 2022, Savitha Shri was described as a wisp of a girl when she faced Magnus Carlsen in a simultaneous display ahead of his World Championship match against Viswanathan Anand in the city in 2013. The Chennai player is regarded as among the top Indian women chess players and trains under R.B. Ramesh. Her progress has been highlighted in coverage of the ongoing Olympiad in Samarkand.

Savitha credited her coach for both technical and mental preparation, saying, “He (Ramesh sir) analyses games and offers psychological support. We work a lot on the middle and end-game.” The work with R.B. Ramesh is presented as a central element of her development.

Ramesh praised her decision-making at the board, saying, “Over the board, she does the most practical things without much hesitation when most players would hesitate.” Observers and family responded positively to her form, with no one happier than her father Krishnan Baskar.

Savitha also described a mentoring relationship with World Championship challenger R. Vaishali, calling her an “elder sister” and adding, “I approach Vaishali akka whenever I have any doubt. She gives me advice and I look up to her.” That peer support is cited alongside her coaching team.

She compiled her four victories on the fourth board before being rested for Sunday’s fifth-round match against Poland.