All six Uzbekistan teams open Chess Olympiad with wins

10:243232 min

The 46th World Chess Olympiad began in Samarkand on September 16 with first-round matches. As the host nation, Uzbekistan is represented by three teams in the open tournament and three teams in the women's tournament.

All six Uzbekistan teams open Chess Olympiad with wins

In the first round, Uzbekistan's top men's team defeated Jamaica 4-0. Nodirbek Abdusattorov won on board one, while Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, and Mukhiddin Madaminov won the remaining boards. Team leader Javokhir Sindarov did not play in the round, Kun.uz reports.

Uzbekistan-2 defeated Afghanistan 3-1, while Uzbekistan-3 opened its campaign with a 3.5-0.5 win over Mali.

The United States, seeded first and widely regarded as the top favorite, defeated Iraq 3.5-0.5. Defending champion India, seeded second, got past Thailand 3-1 in the first round.

Uzbekistan's top women's team shut out Trinidad and Tobago 4-0. Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova won on board one, while Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva, Guldona Karimova, and Umida Omonova all won their games.

Uzbekistan-2 beat Togo 3-1, and Uzbekistan-3 cruised past Tanzania 4-0.

Second-round matches take place today, September 17.

The 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand runs until September 27.