Indian eves recovery journey received a severe jolt after they lost a close match to Ukraine in the ninth round of the World Women Team chess championship in Ningbo on Thursday.
India lost by 1.5-2.5 matgin at the hands of Ukraine.
Mary Ann Gomes loss in the fourth board cost India dearly, while the remaining three games were drawn.
Facing the unorthodox play of Women Grandmaster Zdebska Natalia, Mary playing with white pieces, had difficulty in equalising.
The middle game exchanges left her with a weakened king side. Natalia forced the issue, when her rook, knight and bishop combined to snatch a piece which later forced Mary gave to give up on the 47th move.
On the top board for India, D Harika played a quick 18 move draw with International Master Ushenina Anna, while on the third board Karavade Eesha signed peace with IM Gaponenko Inna, also after 18 moves.
Tania Sachdev had to work hard before she split points with Zhukova Nataliya on the second board.
{{/usCountry}}Tania Sachdev had to work hard before she split points with Zhukova Nataliya on the second board.
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