2024 Chess Olympiad: Round 6

Daaim Shabazz September 17, 2024

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2024 Chess Olympiad: Round 6
Monday, 16 September 2024

Open

Round 6 is right before the rest day and the tournament got a bit more tense. India continued mowing down the field and beat host Hungary by a resounding 3-1 score. Arjun Erigaisi is cleaning up on board 3 with 6/6 and a 3341 performance rating! Now that everyone is beginning to notice Erigaisi, we expect to see him on the elite circuit and not in open tournaments.

One probably wonders why the highest-rated Indian player is not playing on the top board. Erigaisi mentioned that he had more experience playing 2600-level players. It is uncertain whether this was a hint that he did not get invitations to top tournaments, but the point would be valid.

Iran defeated Norway, and coach Alexander Grischuk was elated at the performance on the last board. Here he weighs in on Parham Maghsoodloo’s draw against Magnus Carlsen. Then he was caught outside and gave his impression on Parham’s saving the draw.

In Round 6 of the #ChessOlympiad, Magnus Carlsen ?? pushed hard for a win against Parham Maghsoodloo ??, but Parham’s brilliant defense held firm, earning a draw and securing victory for Team Iran.

Right after the game, Iran’s team captain, GM Alexander Grischuk, jumped in to… pic.twitter.com/Q0EHYathul
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 17, 2024

> Iran defeats Norway in Round 6 of Chess Olympiad
> Maghsoodloo holds Carlsen to a draw in a high-tension endgame
> This seals Iran's 2-1 win against Norway, as Idani Pouya won on Board 4
> Team Captain Alexander Grischuk says "Overall, it was god's interference"

Classic Sasha. pic.twitter.com/xSTLvgsgjv
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) September 16, 2024

…and now an absolutely insane game that won the match for Iran!

In other intense news, the U.S. was held by Romania, jeopardizing their gold medal hopes. The U.S. delegation always seems to be in a good mood before the rounds, but the competitive edge does not seem to be there. Of course, with Hans Niemann (2733), Sam Sevian (2689), and Awonder Liang (2671) waiting in the wings, we could see a lineup with more hunger in Uzbekistan in 2026. The record-holder for world’s youngest Grandmaster Abhimanyu Mishra (2630) is only 15 and waiting his turn.

Also note that the top five teams are in the Asian/Middle Eastern region, with India, Vietnam, China, Iran, and Uzbekistan leading. This is probably the first time in history that you’ve had such a situation, and Asians will be competing for the world title later this year!

On 18th of September, India takes on China at the 7th round of the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024.

Do you think the epic encounter between Gukesh and Ding Liren will happen on the top board? Will both of them play or will either one of them take rest for this specific encounter?… pic.twitter.com/J2TDOBQC3B
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) September 16, 2024

Women

India is still leading with 6/6 after beating Armenia 2.5-1.5. China lost again, and it seems that its medal chances have faded. Peru is making a strong stand on the strength Heidy Garcia Andrada’s 5/5.

Shoutout to Eman Sawan (?? Palestine) and Heidy Nicole Garcia Andrada (?? Peru), who have a perfect 5/5 score in the Women's #ChessOlympiad!

Eman, rated 1972, has gained 70 elo points and has a rating performance of 2628.

Heidy Nicole, rated 2003, has gained 45,6 elo points and… pic.twitter.com/gFn3EabSx8
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 17, 2024

Going into the rest day, it is really difficult to say how this will play out, but India plays traditional powerhouse Georgia in Round 7. It will be a test for them. Poland is quietly making their medal hunt apparent as they have only lost one game! The U.S. is also having a solid tournament with a mix of youth and veteran savvy. They lead a pack of team on 10 points. Fortunately, they have won by big scores. Carissa Yip is on 5.5/6 and 2546 TPR.