Armenia and France drew four interesting games to hold a 2½-point lead. China roared back into the medal race with a 3-1 drubbing off the Czech Republic. Wang Yue surgically dismantled against young star V. Laznicka and puts himself in prime position for a board medal on #4.  Laznicka trotted out a Rossolimo, but allowed black to equalize fairly easily and later gain the initiative with nice play on the kingside. Zhang Peingxiang also scored his 4th victory in six games.

Russia got back on track with a 3-1 decision over Cuba. Vladimir Kramnik  crushed Lazaro Bruson in fine fashion as all of white's pieces surrounded the black king. Alexanders Grischuk and Morozevich also scored and the Russians would gain one point from Armenia's position. Armenia has a total of 34 points while China has 31½ and Russia has 31. Armenia needs just two points to clinch the gold.

Algeria 3-1 Pakistan; Italy "C" 3½-½ Angola; Papua New Guinea 2½-1½ Aruba  Bermuda 3-1 Rwanda; Barbados 3-1 Afghanistan; Botswana 3-1 Jersey; British Virgin Islands ½-3½ Netherlands Antilles;  Russia 3-1 Cuba; Dominican Republic 2-2 Italy "A"; Egypt 2-2 Morocco; Cyprus 3-1 Ethiopia; Haiti 2-2 Uganda; Jamaica 3½-½ Tunisia; Kenya 1½-2½ Trinidad & Tobago;  Luxembourg 3½-½ Libya; Malawi 2½-1½ Suriname; IBCA 3-1 Mauritius; Morocco 2-2 Egypt; Hong Kong 2½-1½ Mozambique; Namibia 3½-½ Fiji;  Netherlands Antilles 2½-1½ British Virgin Islands; Nigeria 1½-2½ Puerto Rico; Rwanda 1-3 Bermuda; Nepal 2½-1½ Seychelles; Belgium 2½-1½ South Africa; San Marino 2½-1½ Sudan; Trinidad & Tobago 2½-1½ Kenya; Tunisia 3½-½ Jamaica; Uganda 2½-1½ Honduras; Chinese Taipei 3½-½ US Virgin Islands; Zambia 2-2 Malta

Reporting from Cape Town, South Africa -  Dr. Daaim Shabazz, The Chess Drum

Posted by The Chess Drum: 1 June 2006