Spiritless performances keep India back

Barring Anand and Sasikiran, the other players had worked with coach Elizbar Ubilava in a short camp and looked raring to go. For the first time, every player received appearance money, thanks to sponsor Canara Bank which made sure that the team was kitted well.

Everything pointed to a strong medal bid by the Indians, in keeping with their known playing strength. Overall, everything pointed to a spirited performance from the Indians.

But once the action began, the combination seldom played to its potential. Even the presence of Anand failed to inspire the other players to give their best. With three rounds to go, this Indian team is in the danger of being remembered as the one that disappointed the most in Chess Olympiads.

Shock defeat

Barring leader Armenia and USA, all the contenders, including defending champion Ukraine, favourite Russia and India have suffered at least two defeats in the 10 rounds played so far. India may have recovered from the 1-3 defeat to the 74th seeded Morocco in the first round with comprehensive 4-0 wins over Cyprus and Mongolia, but it has played poorly thereafter in most of the matches.

Anand needs to fire

Anand's repeated bids to outsmart his much lower-rated rivals have not succeeded in the past week. He needs no reminding that unless he fires in the last three rounds, India has no chance of a medal. Anand is likely to face old foe Boris Gelfand on the top board in the 11th round. Another draw cannot be ruled out.

From the women's team, the expectations were far less. That, in turn, has made the girls play more free and without pressure.

K. Humpy (7/9) has shown the way. Swati Ghate (6/9) has had her moments after being involving in all decisive games while D. Harika has been the asked to play for a draw by the team management and she, in spite of being reluctant, has done a reasonably decent job.

Category: Chess , The Chess Olympiad