We are now moving into the rounds were strong teams are facing each other.  The Ukraine has their game on "cruise control" beating a strong Czech Republic team 4-0.  However, their next round the testing ground as they face the powerful Russian squad who are surely going to tout their best lineup. In a interesting contest, Canada appeared on their way to an upset win over Azerbaijan as GM-elect Pascal Charbonneau was winning against Teimour Radjabov. However, time pressure forced Charbonneau into a series of mistakes and the young Canadian could not convert his extra piece. 

Cuba edged Latvia as a fierce battle took place on the top table. Lázaro Bruzón had to fend off what appeared to be a vicious onslaught. A powerful counterattack resulted in mass exchanges, but when the smoke clear the Cuban was standing with an extra exchange.  With beautiful technique, Bruzón converted the win.  In other action, India crushed the Philippines setting the stage for a third consecutive Olympiad battle with the USA. India won the two previous encounters and will have Viswanathan Anand going for them against a US team which blitzed Iran 3½-½.