148 teams take part in International Chess Olympiad

148 teams from almost as many countries (Russia as host has four teams) are currently taking part in the 39th International Chess Olympiad staged at Khanty-Mansiysk in Russia.

24 September 2010, 12:00am

1 min read

By: S.Farrugia

In round one Malta lost to the big guns of Italy by 3½ to ½ with T.Sorensen picking the half point thanks to his draw with Italy's second in command, Grandmaster Michele Godena. Youngster Fabiano Caruana, Italy's prodigy and best ever chess player was rested. In round two of eleven Malta will play Ethiopia and the boards will be as follow: brd1 C.Pace, brd2 J.Gauci, brd3 D.Vella and brd4 P.Sammut Briffa.

The top seeded team is Russia-1 followed by Ukraine and China. Malta is seeded 104.

Links to Olympiad: http://www.chess-results.com/Tnr36795.aspx?art=33&lan=1

This year is also the election year for the FIDE (International Chess Federation) top places. Current President HE Kishan Ilyumzhinoz, who is also the President Of the Russian republic of Kalmykia, is being challenged by Mr.Anatoly Karpov, an ex-world chess champion. Geoffrey D.Borg, President of the local chess Federation and one of the six Vice Presidents of FIDE, was election campaign manager for Ilyumzhinoz and has high hopes that they will retain their places at the helm of FIDE.