Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s men’s national chess team suffered its first defeat at the home World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, losing 1.5–2.5 to Germany in the eighth round.
Javokhir Sindarov scored Uzbekistan’s only full point, defeating Matthias Bluebaum on the second board after capitalizing on his opponent’s inaccuracies and converting the game into a win.
After eight rounds, Sindarov has collected 5.5 points from seven games. His record includes four wins and three draws, and he remains unbeaten at the home Olympiad. His preparation and performances at international competitions, including the Olympiad, are supported by the National Bank of Uzbekistan.
The remaining games went against the hosts. On the first board, Nodirbek Abdusattorov drew with Vincent Keymer. The German player had a winning position during the game, but Abdusattorov managed to avoid defeat.
Nodirbek Yakubboev lost to Frederik Svane, while Shamsiddin Vokhidov was defeated by his brother Rasmus Svane.
In Vokhidov’s game, a decisive mistake came on the 16th move. The error cost the Uzbek player an exchange, with a rook being given up for a minor piece. He continued fighting until the 51st move, but Rasmus Svane eventually converted his material advantage.
The defeat by Germany was Uzbekistan’s first at the Olympiad both in the team competition and in individual games. Before the eighth round, Germany trailed the hosts by two team points, but the victory brought the sides level. Both teams now have 14 points.
Germany had also previously defeated Uzbekistan’s second and third teams.
Seven teams are on 13 points: China, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, the United States, India, Armenia and France. Uzbekistan’s second team also has 13 points and is in 10th place.
Among the leading teams, India and Azerbaijan drew 2–2, while Armenia and the Netherlands also finished 2–2. The United States defeated Serbia 3.5–0.5. China beat Poland 2.5–1.5, while France defeated Iran by the same score.
Uzbekistan’s second men’s team defeated England 2.5–1.5 in the eighth round. Earlier, the team beat Spain and drew with France, with opportunities to win in the latter match.
Three games in the match against England ended in draws. Jakhongir Vakhidov shared the point with Michael Adams, Abdimaliк Abdusалимov drew with Gawain Jones, and Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov drew with Luke McShane. Khumoyun Begmuratov secured the decisive point for Uzbekistan by defeating Daniel Fernandez.
Uzbekistan’s third men’s team lost to Switzerland 1–3. Saidakbar Saidaliev was defeated by Sebastian Bogner, while Almas Rakhmatullaev lost to Li Min Peng. Bakhrom Bakhrillaev and Muhammadali Abdurakhmonov drew their games.
Uzbekistan’s women’s team defeated the Netherlands 3–1 in the eighth round and moved up to sixth place.
Afruza Khamdamova defeated Eline Roebers on the first board. Umida Omonova lost to Peng Zhaoqin, after which Nilufarkhon Imamkuziyeva beat Machteld van Foreest. Guldona Karimova secured the fourth point with a victory over Anna-Maja Kazarian.
Among other results involving leading teams, India and Kazakhstan drew 2–2, while China defeated Georgia 2.5–1.5.
Uzbekistan’s second women’s team lost to Cuba. After three games had been completed, the score was 0.5–2.5, while Madinabonu Khalilova’s game was still underway. Nilufar Yakubbaeva and Asal Salimova lost their games, while Marjona Malikova drew.
Uzbekistan’s third women’s team, meanwhile, defeated Jamaica 3–1. Zilola Aktamova, Maftuna Bobomurodova and Shokhina Ahmedova won their games, while Barchinoy Shokirzhonova was defeated.
