Chess Olympiad 2026: India Beat Germany, Uzbekistan Back in Front

Gukesh D's win gave India a 2.5-1.5 victory over Germany in round 9 of the Chess Olympiad 2026, while Uzbekistan beat the USA and India's women beat Uzbekistan.

India's open team produced one of its most important wins of the 46th Chess Olympiad in round 9, beating Germany 2.5-1.5. The match was decided by Gukesh D, who won with the black pieces against Alexander Donchenko.

Praggnanandhaa R drew with Vincent Keymer, Arjun Erigaisi drew a 70-move game with Matthias Bluebaum, and Nihal Sarin drew with Frederik Svane. Gukesh's win was his sixth of the Olympiad.

Uzbekistan returned to the sole lead by beating the United States 2.5-1.5. Nodirbek Abdusattorov beat Fabiano Caruana and Nodirbek Yakubboev beat Hans Niemann. Wesley So won against Javokhir Sindarov for the Americans, but the hosts held on.

After nine rounds Uzbekistan lead with 16 match points. India and Armenia are next on 15, with China and France on 14. Two rounds remain.

There was another eye-catching result for the host country. Uzbekistan's second team beat the Netherlands 3.5-0.5, including a win by Jakhongir Vakhidov over Anish Giri. India's open team will face that same Uzbekistan second team in round 10.

India's women's team beat the Uzbekistan women's team 3-1. Divya Deshmukh won a 72-move game and Vantika Agrawal also won, while Koneru Humpy and Savitha Shri B drew. India are now in a group of teams in second place on 15 match points, two behind leaders China, who beat Armenia 3-1. India and China meet in round 10.

Gukesh's win is a lesson in how to play when the team needs a result. With the other three games heading for draws, he kept looking for winning chances and played patiently until his opponent went wrong. In team chess, the player who keeps fighting in a level position can decide the whole match.

With two rounds to go, both Indian teams are in the race for medals.