The 2014 Chess Olympiad ended in victory to China in the Open Section and Russia in the Women's section. Both were leading going into the final round, and avoided any last minute problems to take the top spots.
With Hungary and India taking 2nd and 3rd in the Open, it was an interesting trifecta, which would have paid out big for anyone having a punt. The Chinese team is a relatively young team, while Hungary is based around some experienced stars. The Indian team is somewhere in the middle in terms of age, although a resurgent Anand would have made it stronger still.
The final round was overshadowed by the tragic death of Kurt Meier, who collapsed during the game, and a second player after the round had finished. I met Kurt on a number of occasions at Olympiads ( as PNG had played the Seychelles a few times ) and hope to do a bigger post on him a later date.
Currently flying into London, and spending a day there before heading back to Australia. When I am on solid ground below the equator I hope to do a better summary of what was an interesting Olympiad.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Well, it could be the excitement was:
"Two players die at international chess event
Kurt Meier, a 67-year-old member of the Seychelles team, collapsed and died during the final round game against Rwanda on Thursday of the two-week Chess Olympiad in Tromsoe, tournament spokesman Jarle Heitmann said on Friday.
Another player, from Uzbekistan, was found dead in a hotel room later on Thursday, Heitmann said."
Sad
Post a Comment