India entered the penultimate round two match points behind China after their 3–1 victory over hosts Uzbekistan on Friday. They needed a win to close the gap at the top, but instead had to fight back for a draw after China put them under pressure across the four boards.
Savitha Shri Baskar once again proved decisive, winning on the fourth board against WGM Zhai Mo to secure a match point for India. GM Divya Deshmukh drew IM Song Yuxin, while GM Koneru Humpy and IM Vantika Agrawal also shared the points against China’s Zhu Jiner and Lu Miaoyi respectively. The official Round 10 pairing confirms the four-board line-up.
The result left India on 16 match points, while China remained alone at the top with 18. Kazakhstan moved into second place on 17, leaving India among a group of teams on 16 going into the final round.
For India, the draw was another reminder of Savitha’s extraordinary contribution to the campaign. The 19-year-old IM has repeatedly produced crucial results for the defending champions, including a seventh consecutive victory in Round 8 that rescued India from defeat against Kazakhstan.
China had taken control of the women’s tournament after moving into sole first place in Round 8 and then extending its advantage in Round 9. India, meanwhile, responded with a 3–1 victory over Uzbekistan in the ninth round to set up the high-stakes clash with the leaders.
The Indian women’s team has now recorded seven wins, two draws and one defeat in 10 rounds. Their strong board-score tally keeps them in contention should the leading teams finish level on match points.
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India Crushes Uzbekistan 2, Stay Alive in Chess Olympiad Gold Race https://t.co/XzzSjeBJUE #ChessOlympiad #ChessOlympiad2026 #IndiaChess #Gukesh #Praggnanandhaa #NihalSarin
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) September 26, 2026
China’s consistency has been the defining feature of the tournament so far. The Chinese side has dropped points only twice in 10 rounds and now has 18 match points. Kazakhstan is on 17, while India, Poland and Vietnam are all on 16.
With only Sunday’s final round remaining, India face a difficult mathematical route to the title. They need to win their final match and require the teams above them to drop points. China, meanwhile, can secure the gold with another match victory and remains in the strongest position going into the final day.
The Indian side’s campaign has been built around the experience of Koneru Humpy, the consistency of Divya Deshmukh, and the contributions of Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri. Savitha has been particularly influential, emerging as one of the team’s most productive players in Samarkand.
The final round will be played on Sunday, September 27, bringing the 11-round women’s competition to a conclusion. India remain within striking distance of the medals, but the defending champions now need a strong finish — and results elsewhere to go their way — if they are to retain their title.
