China Sweep Team Rapids, Are the Overall WMSG Winners
Friday, 17 October 2008 10:43
China emerged as overall winners by winning the final Gold medals – taking both the prestigious Rapid Team titles at the 1st World Mind Sports Games.
In the Mens Rapid Teams, China beat Iran in 2.5-1.5 and 3-1 in the Semi-Finals and then crushed hopefuls Ukraine 3-1 and 3-1.
Earlier, Ukraine had qualified for the finals by edging past the USA 2.5-1.5 and 2-2. And in the third place play-off, Iran got the Bronze on tiebreak after tying their matches with the USA 2.5-1.5 and 1.5-2.5.
The Chinese women were even more convincing, turning on the power when it mattered. A sweep of Vietnam 3-1 and 3.5-0.5 qualified them for the finals where they crushed Ukraine (3-1 and 3-1) who had surprisingly defeated Russia in the semi-finals 2.5-1.5 and 2-2.
Russia however bounced back to take Bronze with a comfortable 2.5-1.5 and 3-1 victory over Vietnam.
Overall Medal Standings (Final!):
1. China: 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze;
2. Russia: 2 Gold, 1 Silver
3. Ukraine: 1 Gold, 3 Silver; 3 Bronze;
4. Bulgaria: 1 Gold, 1 Silver;
5-6. Ecuador, Hungary: 1 Gold each;
7. Vietnam: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
8. India: 1 Silver;
9. Iran: 2 Bronze;
10-11. Greece, Singapore: 1 Bronze each.
Source: FIDE.com
Susan, don’t you think you would have brought home a medal for USA. Too bad you didn’t go. Ni Hou.
The US Chess Federation did not invite Susan because of political reason. She’s bigger than them so they penalized her.