India returned to winning ways in Round 7 of the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, defeating England 2.5 to 1.5. World Champion D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa secured the two victories for the Indian team.

Praggnanandhaa defeated Nikita Vitiugov, while Gukesh overcame Daniel Howard Fernandez with the black pieces. Arjun Erigaisi drew his game against experienced player Michael Adams, while Nihal Sarin lost to Luke McShane. The result helped India recover after its previous defeat against hosts Uzbekistan.

In the women’s competition, India recorded a 3.5 to 0.5 victory over Germany. Savitha Shri B continued her impressive campaign by securing another win, while Koneru Humpy defeated Dinara Wagner and Divya Deshmukh overcame Hanna Marie Klek. R Vaishali drew her game against Elisabeth Paehtz.

The victory kept both Indian teams firmly in contention with two rounds remaining in the competition.