China rested Ding Liren for the Round of 7 match against India at the Chess Olympiad. The decision was taken after Liren lost his previous round match. This avoided the potential face-off between D Gukesh and Liren who are set to take on each other in the World Championship final.

Gukesh, 18, led India to a 3.5-0.5 win over Iran at the Olympiad, showcasing his calm, strategic brilliance and remaining unbeaten in the tournament.

D Gukesh triumphed over Wei Yi in an intense six-hour game at the Chess Olympiad, giving India a crucial victory and maintaining their lead. This win also provides Gukesh with a psychological advantage ahead of his upcoming world title match against Ding Liren.

While Ding Liren chose to sit out the Chess Olympiad Round 7 clash against Gukesh, the world champion did make the most of Tuesday's rest day by playing football in the special exhibition game that was set up by the organisers.