Gritty Gopal shines for India in India-Israel chess match

Grandmaster GN Gopal came up with his best performance, defeating counterpart Tal Baron 4-0 to guide India to an emphatic 9.5-6.5 triumph over Israel in the first round of the India-Israel chess match.

Indian mainstay K Sasikiran had an off day, as did national champion Abhijeet Gupta, but Gopal made up for it with his all-round display in the blindfold, rapid and blitz games. The Indian team started with a 3-1 triumph in the blindfold category.

In the rapid game, Israel’s Ilya Smirin was back on the top board and drew with Sasikiran, while Gupta was in for a shock as he lost to Golod. Again, Gopal and Adhiban saved the blushes for India.

The Israeli team showed their true mettle in the first blitz match wherein Sasikiran and Abhijeet Gupta suffered defeats. The Indians bounced back to register a minimal victory, thanks to the efforts of Gopal.