Top performance on top board
WGM Mary Ann Gomes is the top performer of India 2 Women if you calculate the performance based on percentage score. However, WGM Vantika Agrawal scored 7.5/11 without getting rest for a single game, which certainly made things challenging for her. Scoring an IM-norm in the process is certainly an icing on the cake.
Only Indian player to score a norm
WGM Vantika Agrawal became the sole Indian to score a norm at 44th Chess Olympiad. Sure, there were plenty of incredible performances by the Indian players. However, Vantika scored the sole norm, her second IM-norm.
Irene - Vantika, Round 3
After 16.g4 hxg3 White made an incorrect attempt at recovering the pawn, 17.Ne2. Vantika defended the pawn actively which eventually helped her in scoring the win.
Vantika - Narva, Round 4
Vantika played a move 9.Nb1 which was played Gukesh almost a year ago. That is why it is said, you never know whom you are inspiring. She returned the sacrificed pawn 9...Bb7 10.Nbd2 Nxe4 11.Nxe4 Bxe4 12.Bc4 Qf6 13.0-0 Bd6 14.Ng5 Bf5 15.Qh5+ provoking g6 16.Qf3 0-0 17.g4 Ne5 18.Qh3. Her accurate play earned her a full point and she made a perfect start 4/4, just like Gukesh.
