Indian Oil 51st National Women 2025 R7: Nandhidhaa overpowers Shubhi Gupta to become the new sole leader
09/12/2025 - The reigning and defending champion, WGM Nandhidhaa P V (TN) defeated the sole leader WFM Shubhi Gupta (UP) to move to the top at Indian Oil 51st National Women's Chess Championship 2025. Shubhi misplaced her queen while maneuvering and it eventually moved far away from the action point. Nandhidhaa is the only player now at 6.5/7. Ananya Raman (TN) drew a rollercoaster battle against WGM Mary Ann Gomes (PSPB) which could have gone either player's way. The top seed, WIM Arpita Mukherjee (WB) made a narrow escape against Shivamshika G (TEL) after the latter's knight sacrifice almost worked in her favor. WGM Sarayu Velpula (TEL) won a complex rook and double bishop endgame against IM Nisha Mohota (PSPB). Shubhi is the only player at 6/7. Round 8 starts tomorrow at 10 a.m. IST. Photos: Shahid Ahmed