Chess (September): So you thought the Olympics ended, eh? [View all]

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Special Theme Music for September: Leo Arnaud, Buglar's Dream, John Williams conducting

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[font size="4"]Chess Olympics Begin in Istanbul[/font]


[font size="1"]Photo by Robster1983 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Robster1983) in Wikimedia Commons (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:%C4%B0stanbul-Ayasofya.JPG)
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The fortieth Chess Olympiad began August 28 in the fabled city of Istanbul with 156 nations competing in general group and 125 in the women's group.

The sixth round round was played today. Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan lead the general group with 11 match points each followed by China, Hungary, the Philippines and the defending champions from Ukraine, each with 10 match points. In the women's group, Russia and Poland are tied for the lead at 11 match points each, followed by five teams at 10 points apiece: China, France, Georgia, Ukraine and Vietnam.

In today's action, Russia and Armenia fought to a 2-2 tie with former world champion Vladimir Kramnik defeating Armenian GM Levon Aronian, the highest rated player at this Olympiad, on board one. On board two, Sergei Movsesian took down former Russian national champion Alexander Grischuk. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijanis, who are without the services of Vugar Gashimov in Istanbul, climbed into a tie for first play with a 3-1 win over Croatia behind wins by Teimour Radjabov and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov. Gahimov is sitting out this Olympiad due to illness.

In the women's group today, Russia and China played a tied match when Hou Yifan defeated Tatiana Kosintseva on board one, but Nadezhda Kosintseva took revenge for her sister's loss by beating Zhao Xue on board two. Poland moved into a first place tie with Russia by crushing Serbia, 3½-½.

Tomorrow in the general group, Russia will play against Azerbaijan and Armenia goes up against China. In the women's group, Russia will take on Poland.

The United States general squad enter the Olympics with hopes of a medal, but after starting with three match wins have played three straight ties and are in a seven-way tie for fifth place. The American women are tied for 18th place on 8 match points with 3 wins, a loss (to Vietnam) and two ties.