Chess Olympiad: Indian men's, women's teams stay unbeaten after 4th round

The Indian men's and women's teams continued their unbeaten run at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest as they registered identical 3.5-0.5 wins in the fourth round on Saturday.

While the Indian men's team, the second seed, defeated 16th seed Serbia, the top-seeded Indian women's team trounced 13th-seeded France.

GM Harika Dronavalli, who lost to GM Alexandra Kosteniuk during India's 3-1 win over Switzerland, bounced back to defeat Deimante Cornette of France while playing with white pieces.

On the second board, GM R. Vaishali was held to a draw by Sophie Milliet. But, playing on the third board, IM Divya Deshmukh posted her fourth win in as many games. This time, she defeated Mitra Hejazipour.

Turning up in the fourth board, IM Taina Sachdev defeated Natacha Benmesbah to complete the Indian women's team's 3.5-0.5 win.

In the Open section, GM D Gukesh, playing on the first board, with his black pieces, defeated Alexandr Predke.

GM R Praggnanandhaa, however, was held to a draw by Alexey Sarana.

GM Arjun Erigaisi remained unbeaten as he made it four out of four. Arjun defeated Aleksandar Indjic to give India a 1-0 lead against Serbia.

GM Vidit Gujrathi, playing on the final board of the day, handed Ivic Velimir a defeat with his white pieces.

After the end of the fourth round, the Indian men's team led the Open section, while the women trailed table topper China in the women's section.

Seven rounds are remaining now.

The Indian men's team will face Azerbaijan in the fifth round on Monday, while the women's team will face Kazakhstan.