India face Russia in crucial duel at Chess Olympiad

CHENNAI: After a day of rest on Saturday, a crucial sixth round duel is waiting to happen on sunday between the ifth seeded Indian open team and the second seeded Russia at the 43rd World Chess Olympiad underway at Georgia.

“Everyone (all players) has rested well and preparing well for the big match with russia tomorrow ,” indian team captain and coach RB Ramesh said.

The Sunday fight against Russia will be second important tie for India after it lost to the top seeded US in the fourth round.

About the medal prospects as the Olympiad is nearly halfway now Ramesh said: “Medal prospects will be clear only in last two rounds or so. It is too early to discuss about that now.”

He said Iran, Poland, France and Czech Republic are the other teams that are to be watched apart from the top five seeded teams -- USA, Russia, China, Azerbaijan and India.

Ironically, Russia lost to 11th seeded Poland in the fourth round.

Both India and Russia have eight points each - a round win gets two points, draw one point and zero points in case of a loss.

The Russian team will be from Vladimir Kramnik, Sergey Karjakin, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Nikita Vitiugov. On the other hand, the Indian team will be chosen from former World Champion VA na nd, PH ari krishna, Vidit San tho shGuj rat hi, B Adhiban and K Sasikiran.