Guyana’s Women’s team rebounded strongly at the 46th Chess Olympiad on Sunday, defeating Somalia 3.5-0.5 in the fifth round in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Aditi Joshi, Ciel Clement and Jessica Callender delivered victories, while Sasha Shariff added a draw to complete an unbeaten round for the Guyanese women.
Joshi continued her impressive campaign by defeating Sabarin Mohamed Ali on Board One. The Women’s Candidate Master now has three points from four games, including victories against opponents from Andorra, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Somalia.
Clement also collected a full point after overcoming Samiro Mohamed Ali on Board Two. Shariff drew with Mariya Ali Jimale on the third board, while Callender defeated Ramla Mohamed Ali to seal the team’s second 3.5-0.5 victory of the competition.
The Guyanese women now have four match points after five rounds. Their other victory came against St Vincent and the Grenadines, with their remaining matches ending in defeats to Colombia, Andorra and Hong Kong, China.
Guyana experienced a more difficult round in the Open competition, losing 3-1 to a strong Luxembourg lineup.
The national team earned half-points through Kyle Couchman and Anthony Drayton. Couchman drew with FIDE Master Philippe Linster, while Drayton held Christian Jeitz.
On Board One, Sachin Pitamber suffered his first loss of the tournament against FIDE Master Nicolas Bourg. Keron Sandiford was also defeated by Marc Mertens on Board Four.
Pitamber had entered the round unbeaten, following a victory against New Caledonia and draws against Cyprus Grandmaster Andreas Kelires and Macau Candidate Master Tong Kuan Mak.
Despite Sunday’s setback, the Open team remains on four match points following earlier victories over New Caledonia and Macau. Guyana’s other defeats came against Slovenia and Cyprus.
The sixth round will present fresh challenges for both national teams. The Women’s team will meet Japan, while the Open side will face Wales as Guyana continues its campaign in the 11-round tournament.
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