Leading up to the Batumi World Chess Olympiad, it was clear that Asian powerhouses China and India were not only contenders for medals but also aiming for Gold and in both the open and women championships!
Countries like Iran, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and Australia may not have the same ranking but are no pushovers and were also looking to shine… and then who knows what else?
OPEN
In the Open, it is China who has joined eight other countries with so far perfect scores and those include big favourites USA and perennial powerhouses Ukraine and Armenia.
European champions Azerbaijan in recent times can perhaps now be added to this short list and the likes of France, Poland and Israel have seriously strong teams too.
Until round four, India, Vietnam and Iran was also right up there on top of the standings but suffered narrow defeats to the USA, France and Czech Republic respectively.
Team China
Team Indonesia
Team Philippines
Full results: http://chess-results.com/tnr368908.aspx?lan=1&art=0&flag=30
WOMEN
In the Women, China and surprise package Mongolia are amongst the leaders together with Ukraine, Georgia, USA and Armenia.
With India, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Australia (with a team of exports!) just a point behind and still very much in contention.
In fact it was a very good young Uzbekistan that pulled off the first big surprise by taking down top ranked Russia in the second round!
Team China
Team Mongolia
Team India
Team Kazahkstan
Team Vietnam’
Team Iran
Full results: http://chess-results.com/tnr368909.aspx?lan=1&art=0&flag=30
All photos by are by David Llada / Batumi World Chess Olympiad