Round #1

The journey begins!

As is custom, the Olympiad started out with the powerful nations versus the… not so powerful nations. While the stronger teams dominated round #1, the blood spilled on the board was not only from the vanquished. Russia watched Costa Rica's 14-year old IM Alejandro Ramirez (2421) hold GM Alexander Morozevich (2707) to a hard-fought draw. Morozevich was later seen explaining to GM Garry Kasparov what happened. It was reminiscent of Kasparov explaining his losses in the Russia vs. Rest of the World tournament. While it may seem strange for Kasparov to quibble over giving up one-half point,  such a margin is crucial in team events as history has shown.

With GM Judit Polgar on board #1, second-ranked Hungary blitzed Venezuela 4-0, and was only one of two top-ten nations to avoid a blemish. Hungary was joined by the USA, a team attempting to redeem itself for its abysmal 200o performance. The USA defeated the team representing the IPCA (Internationally Physically Disabled Association).  There was only one upset in round #1 when Brazil (#26) was crushed by Luxembourg (#96), 3-1. China had a tough time against Turkey and barely escaped with a 2½-1½ triumph. In all other matches, the favorite won by a large score.

The teams from Africa and the Caribbean travel to the Olympiads to measure their skills against the world's best and round #1 was clearly a character-building experience. Most teams took a 4-0 loss to superior teams, but Zambia and Zimbabwe would both win a point from strong teams.

IM Amon Simutowe drew with Bosnia's GM Suat Atalik while NM Stanley Chumfwa held  GM Bojan Kurajica. In fact, in the final position, Chumfwa may have winning chances (see diagram right)! IM Robert Gwaze of Zimbabwe scored a victory against fellow IM, Tomi Nyback of Finland. In another "moral victory," Uganda snatched a half-point when Steven Kawuma drew IM Mark Bluvshtein of Canada.

GM Bojan Kurajica (BIH) - NM Stanley Chumfwa (ZAM)

In the final position of Kurajica-Chumfwa, a draw was agreed here, but Black can play for more with 48...Rd5+ 49.Kc4 (or 49.Ke4) Bxg3!


Round #1 Information Center


Team Results


Selected Games

IM Leonardo Valdes (CRC) - GM Alexander Grischuk (RUS), 0-1
IM Alejandro Ramirez (CRC) - GM Alexander Morozevich (RUS), ½-½
IM Robert Gwaze (ZIM) - IM Tomi Nyback (FIN), 1-0
GM Lázaro Brúzon (CUB) - IM David Gluckman (RSA), 1-0
GM Bojan Kurajica (BIH) - NM Stanley Chumfwa (ZAM), ½-½


Reports

See Report from Allan Herbert (Barbados) - MS-Word photo report!
See Report from Daniel Nsibambi (Uganda)
See Report from Ian Wilkinson (Jamaica)
Trinidad vs. Moldova.

Trinidad vs. Moldova. FM Ryan Harper (L) waiting on GM Dmitry Svetushkin's reply. NM Yogi Ramsingh is on board #2 and NM Christo Cave is taking a break from his board #3 encounter.