Despite impressive wins by D harika and Eesha Karavade, the Indian women's team was forced to settle for a draw against Armenia in the opening round of World Women's team chess championship in Ningbo, China, on Wednesday.
International Master and junior world champion Harika provided the crucial blow on the top board defeating top Armenian Elina Danielian, while International Master Eesha defeated Lilit Galojan.
However, it wasn't a very good day for the other two Indian playersInternational Master Tania Sachdev and Mary Ann Gomesas both suffered reversals on the second and fourth board respectively.
While Tania was outdone by experienced Lilit Mkrtchian, Mary Ann found a tough contender in Nelli Agenian.
The day did not provide many surprises as top seed and favourite China One defeated China two by a 3-1 margin.
Resting their important player Yifan Hao, the top team did not have much trouble in securing victories on the second and fourth board where they played white while on the remaining two, peace was a just result.
China One emerged joint-leaders along with Georgia, who struggled to beat lowly-ranked Vietnam by a 2.5-0.5 margin.
With Georgia and China in front on two points, the Indian eves stand joint third along with fancied Russians who were held by Ukraine.
