Pragg, Gukesh, Nihal power India to 3.5–0.5 sweep over Uzbek 2 to stay in gold hunt

In the ongoing 2026 Chess Olympiad, India's second-string team displayed a dominant performance in Round 10, throttling Uzbekistan 2. The feat was achieved thanks to clinical wins from R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and D Gukesh, who ensured a commanding 3.5–0.5 victory over Uzbekistan 2. Nihal Sarin made the first move, convincingly beating Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov on Board 4.

Defending world champion Gukesh demonstrated his usual brilliance, outwitting Ortik Nigmatov and securing his seventh victory of the tournament, thus reaching an astonishing 8.5. Pragg faced stiff resistance from Jakhongir Vakhidov but ultimately conceded defeat. It's worth noting that had Arjun Erigaisi converted his match against Abdimalik Abdisalimov, India would have achieved a flawless sweep.

The report highlights two recurring issues plaguing both Indian squads at this Olympiad. While the bottom ranks are performing admirably, the top boards are struggling. In the women's event, Humpy boasts three wins, while R Vaishali has secured one victory, accompanied by two devastating losses on Board 2. In the Open section, despite Pragg's third win, India's top two boards have managed to secure just four victories out of their team's 16 individual triumphs in Samarkand.

The current gold medallists of the previous two Olympiads are separated by just a single match point, leaving the stage set for an exciting shootout between India and Uzbekistan in the final round on Sunday. With the hosts leading the pack at 17 match points, India trails by 16, closely followed by a determined group of Ukraine, Germany, and Hungary, all tied at 15.

Just like the women's section, the battle for the crown is no longer within India's grasp, making silver the most probable outcome.