After a subpar showing in Calvia, GM Pontus Carlsson has rebounded to set a blistering pace for the Swedish side at the European Team Chess Championships in Heraklion, Greece. Although the rest of his teammates have fared poorly, he is playing at a 2700+ clip after seven games. Carlsson should gain at least 20 ELO points.

Russia continues a dominating performance and it appears that they are trying to make a statement after sub-standard efforts in team events the past four years. They lead by a comfortable three  points over rival Armenia. A win would provide some consolation after having coming up empty in the 2006 Chess Olympiad in Turin, Italy.

The Russians are led by GM Peter Svidler, but teammate GM Alexander Morozevich stated that there is no standard board order for the Russians in team events. Whatever the formula has been it has worked at the Russians look to be a cinch to take the gold.

Carlsson has become a regular member of the Swedish national team and as the newest and youngest Grandmaster, he looks to become a mainstay on future Olympiad teams. Carlsson also participates in the Swedish and European Cup matches and plays for Sollentuna, a past European Championship team. Hopefully, he will close out this tournament on a high note.

(Note: Unfortunately, the official photographers neglected to take any portraits of the 24-year old GM who certainly stands out among the participants as the only Black player! Meanwhile they have taken several pictures of the same players and also International Masters, but not Carlsson. He ended on 6-3, 2686 performance and a gold medal.)

European Team Chess Championship (Official Site)
Chess-Results.com
Games of GM Pontus Carlsson

5th board medal winners, Dmitry Jakovenko (Russia - Silver), Alexander Areshchenko (Ukraine - Bronze), Pontus Carlsson (Sweden - Gold) Photo by greekchess.com.

Posted by The Chess Drum: 4 November 2007

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