Uzbekistan lost for the first time at the Chess Olympiad, conceding to Germany

Uzbekistan suffered its first defeat at the Chess Olympiad, losing to Germany

The Uzbekistan men's national team suffered its first defeat at the home World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. In the eighth round, Rustam Kasimdzhanov's team lost to Germany — 1.5:2.5.

The only victory in the match against Germany was secured by Javokhir Sindarov. On the second board, he defeated Matthias Bluebaum. He took advantage of his opponent's inaccuracies and confidently brought the game to victory.

After eight rounds, Sindarov has 5.5 points in 7 games — four wins and three draws. The chess player has not suffered a single defeat at the home tournament so far. His preparation and participation in international tournaments, including the Chess Olympiad, as well as his work with coaches, are supported by the National Bank of Uzbekistan.

However, Sindarov's result did not help the team maintain its winning streak: Germany took two points on the bottom two boards.

On the first board, Nodirbek Abdusattorov drew with Vincent Keymer, although at one point he was in a losing position.

Nodirbek Yakubboev lost to Frederik Svane, and Shamsiddin Vokhidov lost to his brother Rasmus Svane.

The deciding moment of the last game was Vokhidov's mistake on the 16th move, after which he lost an exchange in the form of a rook. He continued to resist until the 51st move, but Rasmus Svane converted the advantage.

This defeat was the first for Uzbekistan not only in the team standings but also in individual games at this Olympiad. Germany, which trailed the hosts by two team points before the eighth round, caught up with the Uzbekistan team — now both teams have 14 points.

Germany also defeated the second and third teams of Uzbekistan in previous rounds.

Seven teams have 13 points each: China, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, the USA, India, Armenia, and France. The second team of Uzbekistan also scored 13 points and occupies 10th place.

At the same time, the fight for first place became even tighter. India and Azerbaijan drew 2:2, as did Armenia and the Netherlands. The USA crushed Serbia 3.5:0.5, China defeated Poland 2.5:1.5, and France beat Iran by the same score.

The second team of Uzbekistan, which previously defeated Spain and drew with France (although they could have won), beat England. The team rose to 10th place.

The first three games ended in draws: Jakhongir Vakhidov shared a point with Michael Adams, Abdimalik Abdisalimov with Gawain Jones, and Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov with Luke McShane.

Khumoyun Begmuratov defeated Daniel Fernandez, bringing the team an important victory — 2.5:1.5.

The third men's team of Uzbekistan lost to Switzerland — 1:3. Saidakbar Saydaliev and Almas Rakhmatullaev lost to Sebastian Bogner and Li Min Peng respectively, while Bakhrom Bakhrillaev and Mukhammadali Abdurakhmonov ended their games in draws.

The main women's national team of Uzbekistan achieved an important victory over the Netherlands (3:1) and rose to 6th place.

Afruza Khamdamova defeated Eline Roebers on the first board. Umida Omonova lost to Peng Zhaoqin, after which Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva defeated Machteld van Foreest, and Guldona Karimova beat Anna-Maja Kazarian.

In other matches of the leaders, India and Kazakhstan drew 2:2, while China defeated Georgia 2.5:1.5.

The second women's team of Uzbekistan had already suffered a defeat against Cuba: with the score at 0.5:2.5, Madinabonu Khalilova's game remained unfinished. Nilufar Yakubbaeva and Asal Salimova lost their matches, while Marjona Malikova drew.

The third women's team, on the contrary, defeated Jamaica 3:1. Zilola Aktamova, Maftuna Bobomurodova, and Shokhina Akhmedova won their games, while Barchinoy Shokirzhonova suffered a defeat.