Chennai, July 29 (UNI) Youngster Raunak Sadhwani provided a solid start to India B’s campaign in the opening round match against United Arab Emirates by registering a stunning win against Abdulrahman M at the 44th Chess Olympiad in Mamallapuram here on Friday.
The opening round of the historic Chess Olympiad was inaugurated by the Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur by making the first move on Vidit Gujrathi’s board.
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, All India Chess Federation President Sanjay Kapoor and Olympiad Director Bharat Singh Chauhan were also present on the occasion.
The 16-year-old from Nagpur playing his maiden Olympiad, completed the win with the White pieces in a Sicilian defence game lasting 41 moves.
Enjoying space advantage, Sadhwani broke through on the king side after the exchange of minor pieces and dragged the king in a checkmating net with the queen and rooks combining efficiently.
“I am happy to start with a victory. This is my first Olympiad. It feels great to play a good game,” Sadhwani said after the victory.
“We want to play good chess. I think the US has the strongest line up but if we play good chess, we can even beat them. We should take all the teams seriously as any player can play well. This is the Olympiad,” he added.
A total of 184 teams out of 188 sides began their campaign on Friday in this 11 Round Swiss League tournament where India’s three sides are taking part in the open section.
Adhiban B, Nihal Sarin and Gukesh D will play next for India B, which has rested R Praggnanandhaa for the first round.
Each Team comprises five players with four players fielded for the round and one player rested.
For the first time in the history, India has been hosting this prestigious event which will be played till August 10.
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