India, Sept. 17 -- It's only Round 2 of the Fide Chess Olympiad in Samarkand but defending champions India are already living dangerously. A day after Arjun Erigaisi lost on the top board against Thailand, Nihal Sarin, on Board 2, was three pawns down and in serious danger before he found an exchange sacrifice and a win. He was the only Indian in the Open team to earn a full point as the games on the other three boards ended in draws, with India going past Indonesia 2.5-1.5 on Thursday.

Reigning world champion Gukesh was held to a draw by 18-year-old IM Satria Duta Cahaya on Board 3, rated nearly 300 points below him, and fell below 2700 in the live ratings.

After his opening-round loss, Arjun was rested in Round 2, while R Praggnanandh...