Round 8 of the 2024 Chess Olympiad saw India extend their lead with a crushing 3.5-0.5 over Iran. They are now 2 points ahead of host Hungary, and defending champions Uzbekistan. A round 9 win over Uzbekistan is probably enough to secure 1st place (even with 2 rounds to go), but a loss would throw the event wide open.
The Australian team had another tough day at the office, drawing 2-2 with Ireland. All 4 games were drawn, with the Irish team defending a couple of difficult endings. New Zealand lost to Canada 1-3, but would be pleased with draws on the bottom 2 boards.
Having thrown away a couple of good positions the round before, the PNG benefited from their opponents doing the same in Round 8. Having started with a forfeit loss on Board 4 to Mauritania (due to illness), Stuart Fancy won on the top board, but board 2 looked drawn, and board 3 looked losing. But both opponents over-pressed, and suddenly it was 1.5/2 and a 2.5/1.5 win for PNG.
Vanuatu drew 2-2 against St Vincents to pick up another match point. Guam lost 0.5 - 3.5 to Saudi Arabia, Fiji lost 1-3 to Jersey and Palau narrowly went down to Lesotho 1.5-2.5
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