India Green finished runner-up in the World Youth Chess Olympiad on Monday in Ahmedabad, finishing one point behind winners Russia, who lifted the title with one round to spare.
The hosts put up a dominating display to defeat Kazakhstan 3.5-0.5 in the final round to finish with 15 points. Russia finished with 16 while Iran, who finished third, had 14 points. The Russians, though, suffered a shock defeat to India Red – who finished fifth – on the final day at the Karnavati Club in Ahmedabad.
R. Praggnanandhaa, whose form has been patchy throughout the tournament, settled for a draw against Kazybek Nogerbek. During India Red’s stunning win over the Russians, S Jayakumar drew with highly-rated International Master Sergei Lobanov. Rajdeep Sarkar suffered a loss but Arjun Erigaisi and Mitranbha Guha emerged victorious.
Iniyan, who scored an impressive 7.5 points from eight games, earned the best percentage points and bagged gold, a feat that was also matched by Kerala’s Nihal Sarin. Vaishali earned silver.
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