India dominate chess in Asian Games

Doha: As expected India bagged the gold medal in chess in the mixed team classical event ending the country's campaign on a golden note.

Comprising of Krishnan Sasikaran, Pentala Harikrishnan and Koneru Humpy, the Indian team had taken an invincible lead in the competition after the fifth round and the last round was a mere formality.

The gold was India's second in the game and that meant India have continued their dominance in a game they invented and have now mastered.

"It is just great. Winning the gold medal in Asian Games and that too when chess has been introduced for the first time. It will give a boost to Indian chess," Harikrishnan said.

And the domination of the Indian team was overwhelming which can be judged by scoreline.

India finished at the top with an aggregate of 22.5 points with Indonesia second with a grand total of 16 points The third place went to Qatar, who finished with 15 points.

Double gold medal winner Koneru Humpy was understandably happy with the shiny piece of metal around her neck.

"Yes Sasi , Hari and I were having a good time. Before the game in the night we used to discuss about the opponents and practice. We used to prepare and that helped us a lot. For the first time we won against China and it is an excellent win for us," Humpy said.

And courtesy the gold in chess on the penultimate day of the Doha Asian Games, India finished with 10 gold medals in the event.

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