Adhiban’s hand in winning causes

Curiously, the men’s team had three players from Tamil Nadu apart from the coach, RB Ramesh. Baskaran Adhiban was the star performer for the team but veteran Krishnan Sasikiran and young gun Karthikeyan Murali were not far behind.

India finished fourth behind Russia, China and Poland. In fact. India tied on points with Poland, but lost out on tiebreak. 

“Adhiban had a major role in deciding our team results in many matches,” recounted Ramesh on his arrival from Khanty-Mansiysk, in western Siberia. “When he lost, India did not win those matches. When Adhiban won his game, usually India won the match. He is maturing well for India,” said Ramesh. Ramesh reckoned Sasikiran’s experience stood the team in good stead. “Vidit Gujrathi played all nine games and he along with Sasikiran on fourth board remained unbeaten against good opposition and gave crucial wins in some matches,” noted Ramesh.

The Chennai-based coach, whose Chess Gurukul academy is home to many a talent from all over India, felt Parimarjan Negi gave his best, especially with black pieces. “Negi played many games with black pieces and drew tough opponents which is important in a team event,” said the coach. 

Karthikeyan Murali, the baby of the team, had a somewhat good tournament winning a game in the last round when India trounced Norway, without World champion Magnus Carlsen. “Karthikeyan on third board did not get to play many games but played a crucial role of helping others in their opening preparation,” explained Ramesh. 

In the women’s section too, India finished fourth behind Russia, China and Georgia. Chennai-based Vijayalakshmi Subbaraman was the captain of the team. “She (Viji) guided the team well. She saw to it that the team spirit was always good and everyone supported one another. On the board, she missed a few good positions, otherwise her performance would have been even better,” Ramesh said. 

Ramesh rued the women narrowly missed the medal. “A few good positions were not converted into wins which proved costly towards the end. Overall, a satisfactory performance and with a little more improvement, we can definitely win a medal,” Ramesh explained.