CHENNAI: India drew their opening-round game against Azerbaijan 2-2 before defeating hosts Spain 2.5-1.5 in the subsequent round on Day 1 of the women's World Team Championship which commenced in Sitges on Monday.
R Vaishali, Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa’s elder sister, was in superb form as she won both her games of the day. She opened her campaign with a win in 60 moves against Azerbaijan’s Gulnar Mammadova before getting the better of Sabrina Vega Gutierrez in the second round.
The Indian women’s team began with a 2-2 draw against Azerbaijan. Tania Sachdev and Bhakti Kulkarni lost their opening round clashes to Ulviyya Fataliyeva and Turkan Mamedjarova respectively.
India’s victories came from Dronavalli Harika and Vaishali.
Harika continued with her splendid form she showed at the recently-concluded online Olympiad. Harika, who employed the Ruy Lopez opening, got the better of Gunay Mammadzada in 34 moves. Vaishali too looked at ease in her opening encounter.
In the second round, India’s sole winner was Vaishali. Harika, Bhakti and Mary Ann Gomes drew their matches.
Harika had a draw against Ana Matnadze. Bhakti and Mary split points against Maria Eizaguerri Floris and Marta Garcia Martin respectively.
