PANJIM, Nov. 27 -- Team Herald

Indian chess great Dibyendu Barua has lauded the scale and execution of the FIDE World Cup in Goa, describing it as 'absolutely fantastic' and among the best-run events in recent years. Barua credited the Government of Goa, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and its president Nitin Narang, as well as the Goa Chess Association, for delivering a seamless month-long tournament featuring over 200 players. He singled out Tournament Director Dharmashtra V Kunte and AICF's Dharmendra for 'working day and night' to ensure its success. Assessing India's performance, Barua admitted it was disappointing that none of the 24 Indian participants progressed to the latter stages of the knockout championship, won by a 19...