Russia emerges champion, Kishan gets individual gold

Chennai: Top seeds Russia emerged winners after the ninth and final round of the TATA 14th IBCA Chess Olympiad for the Blind 2012 here today.

Russia finished their engagements with 15 match points, clinching the team gold, while Ukraine and Spain claimed silver and bronze respectively. Germany, with 14 match points, tied for second spot with Ukraine and Spain, but finished fourth on tie-breaks. India `A` went down 1.5-2.5 to Germany in a close match. The silver lining was the performance of Kishan Gangolli, who took the individual gold in the third board. Undefeated Kishan came up with an impressive show, scoring 7.5 points from nine rounds. With six wins and three draws, Kishan dictated India `A` team`s fortunes. Support from Swapanil Shah, Darpan Inani and Makwana Ashvin helped India `A` take fifth spot, India`s best showing In the history of Chess Olympiad for the blind. Top seeds Russia came up with a powerful performance with 3-1 win over United Kingdom.Victories in boards two, three and four clinched the issue in their favour. IM Colin Crouch reduced the margin for UK, defeating IM Meshkov Yuri in a hard fought game. The win helped Crouch clinch the top board silver medal. India `B` finished the last outing, holding Turkey to a 2-2 draw, sharing the 18th place.