Seven games, seven victories: Uzbekistan defeats China, maintaining the lead in the Chess Olympiad

Seven games, seven victories: Uzbekistan defeats China, maintaining its lead in the Chess Olympiad

The Uzbekistan-1 men's national team defeated the Chinese national team in the seventh round of the Chess Olympiad taking place in Samarkand. The team triumphed in all seven matches, accumulating a maximum of 14 points and further strengthening its sole leadership in the tournament.

Javohir Sindarov, who will play against the world crown challenger Dommaraju Gukesh this year, faced one of China's strongest grandmasters, Wei Yi (2752), in the seventh round. Javohir had previously defeated him at the World Cup and the Candidates Tournament. This time, the match ended in a draw.

After seven rounds, Sindarov has 4.5 points in 6 games — three wins and three draws. Thus, the grandmaster has not lost a single time yet in the prestigious competition taking place in his home country. Sindarov's preparation and participation in international tournaments, including this Chess Olympiad, as well as his work with coaches, are carried out with the support of the National Bank of Uzbekistan.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Ding Liren.

Before the seventh round, it was China and Armenia that were Uzbekistan's two closest pursuers. After six rounds, the Uzbek chess players had 12 points, while the Chinese and Armenians had 11 points.

The main points in the head-to-head match were provided by the two Nodirbeks.

Abdusattorov (2762) defeated Ding Liren (2733). Meanwhile, in the previous round, the Chinese chess player had defeated Vincent Keymer, who is in the world's top ten, contributing to China's 3:1 victory over Germany.

While Nodirbek Abdusattorov (2762) won over former world champion Ding Liren (2733) on the first board, Nodirbek Yakubboev (2685) defeated Yu Yangyi (2710). Javohir Sindarov (2778) and Mukhiddin Madaminov (2611) drew with Wei Yi (2752) and Xu Xiangyu (2631), respectively.

Yakubboev (2685), who secured Uzbekistan's crucial success against India two days ago with his victory over Nihal Sarin, prevailed over Yu Yangyi (2710) this time.

The final score is 3:1 in favor of Uzbekistan.

According to the results of seven rounds, Rustam Kasimdzhanov's pupils have recorded seven victories in seven games, holding a maximum of 14 team points. In addition, the Uzbek chess players have not suffered a single defeat in individual matches at this Olympiad yet.

Prior to this, the first national team had consecutively defeated Jamaica, Peru, Austria, Turkey, Hungary, and the reigning Olympic champion India.

The Uzbekistan-2 men's team, despite starting the Olympiad seeded 30th, played against the strong French team, seeded 9th in the competition, in the 7th round.

Draws were recorded on the first three boards. Despite having a significant advantage, Jahongir Vakhidov (2527) shared points with Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (2718). Abdimalik Abdisalimov (2548) drew with Maxime Lagarde (2593), and Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov (2540) drew with Marc'Andria Maurizzi (2612).

At the time of preparing the material, the match between Ortik Nigmatov (2484) and Jules Moussard (2602) was still ongoing. The intermediate score is 1.5:1.5.

After six rounds, the Uzbekistan-2 team was in 13th place with 5 wins and 1 loss. Among other victories, the team also defeated Spain.

The third men's team is competing against the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Asrorjon Omonov (2347), who had won all 5 of his games at the Olympiad before this, continued his winning streak — he defeated Charlton Mnyastuni (2236) on the fourth board.

Olmos Rakhmatullaev (2418) drew with Caleb Levi Levitan (2316). The games of Saidakabar Saydaliev and Muhammadali Abdurakhmonov were not yet finished at the time of preparing the material. Uzbekistan-3 is leading with a score of 1.5:0.5.

The Uzbekistan first women's team achieved a confident 3.5:0.5 victory over Slovenia after the defeat suffered against Georgia in the previous round.

As part of the team, Afruza Khamdamova, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, and Guldona Karimova defeated their opponents, while Nilufarxon Imomquziyeva ended her match in a draw.

After seven rounds, the first women's team has 11 team points and stands in 6th place on the tournament table at the time of publication.

The Uzbekistan second women's team defeated Tajikistan with a score of 3:1. Madinabonu Khalilova beat Nozanin Mahmudova, and Mumtozbegim Mansurova beat Shukrona Mashabova. Nilufar Yakubboeva signed a draw with Marvoriy Nasriddinzoda, and Marjona Malikova with Nadezhda Antonova.

The third women's national team was trailing 0:2 against Peru based on the results of two completed games. Maftuna Bobomurodova lost to Maria Teresa Jimenez Salas, and Shokhina Akhmedova lost to Fiorella Contreras. The games of Zilola Aktamova with Deysi Cori and Ozoda Shahzodova with Aleyla Hilario were still ongoing at the time of reporting.

The 46th World Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand over 11 rounds. The competitions will conclude on September 27.

Four chess players play in each team match, with one more registered as a reserve member. 2 points are awarded for a team win, and 1 point for a draw.

Time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by another 30 minutes until the end of the game. In addition, 30 seconds are added to the players' time for each move starting from the first move.