Olympiad pairings

[Hans Jung]

Masterful strategy and patience by Shawn RL leads to key win to tie the Canada - Norway match.

[John Coleman]

Round 3: Did Shawn really take half an hour to play 8...c4, or was my computer on strike?

[Hans Jung]

Round 3: Did Shawn really take half an hour to play 8...c4, or was my computer on strike?

I dont know, I just joined but I could well believe it. Its a very tricky position.

After 18.Bxe7 what is going on!?!

The queen sac was too much.

[Hans Jung]

Rd 3 Intricate maneuvering with the knights by Razvan. With the pseudo sacrifice of the knight on e6 has he found the critical weakness?

23.Qh5 by Razvan! I love it.

I thought 24.f4 but now I see e7 is even better. Actually now I like 24.f4, the benefit of hindsight.

[Hans Jung]

I am so proud of the Canadian team. It looks like they are going to beat the Czechs even after Shawn's tough loss.

[Hans Jung]

A brilliant finish by Razvan! ubavoidable checkmate no less! and Shiyam I never thought a dry technical position in the opening could lead to such a great result - also unavoidable checkmate!

[Hans Jung]

Raja's kingside destroying combo deserved a better fate but there is still lots of life in his position.

[Hans Jung]

The Canadian Women looked like they were holding their own against the US but critical misses of tactics on two boards sealed their fate. Also Golubeva missed a knock out against Alice Lee.

[Frank Dixon]

IM Raja Panjwani holds the draw on board two vs. Czechia, to clinch a superb team victory, 2.5 -- 1.5!! Raja's game is absolutely fascinating!! His 2600+ GM opponent was in serious time pressure for most of the endgame, which was drawn by repetition after move 80. Final position: Raja: (W) K + R + N; .Nguyen (B) K + B + 3P!

[Rene Preotu]

I'm not sure what happened there but Raja's position was lost after ...Ke3

[Hans Jung]

Thats what I get for jumping the gun with my prediction, fortunately Raja held the draw and Canada has their incredible victory! - an edge of the seat, exciting game - real entertainment!

[Rene Preotu]

You're in a good company, Peter Svidler did the same in the live broadcast

[Hans Jung]

I think Peter Svidler's following words can be treasured: "Canada is causing a real sensation - the giant killer's of the Open section" Fans take note. Thanks for pointing it out Rene.

[John Coleman]

I notice many nations have team shirts and/or jackets. Does Canada have these?

[Hans Jung]

Rd 4 Canada - Greece, Canadian Women - Scotland