2010 Chess Olympiad: Round #9

Round #9 Analysis: We are winding down the Olympiad and the Ukraine is still holding onto its one-point lead. Russia 1 beat defending champion Armenia with Peter Svidler beating Gabriel Sargissian. Trying to win their first medal since 2004, the Russians will face China who also needs a win to remain in the medal hunt.

Georgia goes down against a surging France.
Baadur Jobava facing Maxime Vachier-LaGraeve on board #1 (½-½).

France has slowly crept into the medal hunt by accumulating point-after-point and will play the Ukraine. Hopefully Vladislav Tkachiev will not forfeit as he did against Azerbaijan in 2008. The USA will get Israel, a team they defeated in the World Team Championships in Bursa, Turkey.

Round #9 Analysis: Russia 1 has virtually clinched the gold with yet another win against Serbia. With two rounds remaining they have a four-point lead and own favorable tiebreaks over all of the main rivals. Russia 2 stumbled against Georgia and is statistically eliminated from gold medal contention. There is a five-way tied for 2nd as China and the Ukraine will make a last-ditch effort to win a medal. China and Ukraine will most likely face each other in the last round if they win their last rounds. China is a heavy favorite over regional rival India while the Ukraine will have a tough battle against defending champion Georgia. Silver and bronze medals are still in the air!

Africa Diaspora Spotlight

Rose Wabuti of Kenya with ethnic Maasai adornments. Nice! 🙂
Photo by ugra-chess.com.