Nihal Sarin playing for American Gambits (GCL Photo)

BENGALURU: The Chess Olympiad is already on Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin’s mind, but not quite yet. With India preparing to defend its Open title in Samarkand, Uzbekistan later this month, Nihal is excited about representing the country at the Olympiad. For now, though, the 22-year-old is keeping his attention firmly on the Global Chess League (GCL), where he is representing American Gambits in this fourth season.Asked whether he was already thinking about the Olympiad while playing his games in Bengaluru, Nihal said: “Not really, no. Like, in general, I'm just extremely excited to play in the Olympiad. I'm very happy, and I'll just try to give my best for the team. It has been a long-time dream.”But with the GCL currently taking centre stage, Nihal is deliberately keeping things relaxed. “Now I'm just (focusing on GCL). This tournament is very relaxed. I'm just trying to chill on and off the board,” he said after American Gambits’ match against Ganges Grandmasters on Sunday.India’s title defence will carry considerable expectations. Four members of the Budapest-winning squad return, although there will understandably be significant changes to the board order. Arjun Erigaisi leads the five-player lineup on 2759, followed by Praggnanandhaa R on 2750. Nihal, rated 2718, will replace Pentala Harikrishna.World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju is also there, while Vidit Gujrathi completes the squad. Srinath Narayanan returns as captain.At the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest, Gukesh played on board one and delivered a phenomenal 9/10 score with a 3056 performance rating, winning individual gold as India finished four match points clear. Arjun also claimed individual gold on board three.Nevertheless, defending the title will be no easy task. Armenia remains the last team to successfully retain the Open crown, winning in 2006 and 2008. The last five editions have produced four different champions, underlining how difficult sustained dominance has been.

What happened in GCL on Day 2

Defending champions APL Pipers made it two wins from two, beating Ganges Grandmasters 11-6, while Ganges bounced back later to defeat American Gambits 9-7. Nihal won his game against Levon Aronian with black pieces in a nerve-wracking battle, but it was not enough for his team. Alaskan Knights beat Mumba Masters 11-6, before Mumba Masters edged Triveni Continental Kings 10-9 in the final match of the day.At this moment, American Gambits lead the standings on 6 match points and 31 game points, ahead of Ganges Grandmasters on 6/25. Alpine APL Pipers are third with 6/21, while Mumba Masters and Alaskan Knights have 3 match points each. Continental Kings, the two-time champions, remain at the bottom without a win.