R. Praggnanandhaa was in a spot of bother against Javokhir Sindarov but the Indian defended well to secure a draw. Arjun Erigaisi gained an early advantage against Shamsiddin Vokhidov and had his chance in the final moves but couldn't press through.

International Master Vantika Agrawal's decisive win against Grandmaster Irina Krush ensured India drew 2-2 with the United States in the ninth round of the women's section at the 45th Chess Olympiad.

India, on sole lead with 17 match points, remains in a commanding position for the gold in the Open section and will face USA in Round 10 on Saturday

R Vaishali went down to Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova while Divya Deskhmukh played out an easy draw as black against Carissa Yip. Tania Sachdev could not find the best attacking moves to force matters and settled for a draw with Alice Lee,