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In a highly-anticipated match, Ukraine sat down to face a formidable Russian team in the 5th round of the 36th Chess Olympiad. Despite the absence of Peter Svidler, the Russian team was still very dangerous. However, it would not be enough to overtake Vassily Ivanchuk and his young lions. On board #1, Ivanchuk battled with the precocious Alexander Morozevich, a player who has been a whirlwind of terror the past several months.
This game will perhaps be the most important in the tournament. It also underscores the glaring absence of leadership on the Russian side. The Ukraine has had their way this tournament, but is being pursued by a strong Israeli team. The two teams battle tomorrow in the most important match of the round. Ruslan Ponomariov seems to be in top form and his position on board #2 removes the pressure he suffered in Bled. Look for a hard-fought, but even contest in the Ukraine-Israel match … will probably end up 2-2.
See Morozevich-Ivanchuk!
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