Rating didn't count much in these Olympiad games in Chennai, India!
The USA was the first seeded by rating, but they had a relatively poor tournament, with their stronger player having a terrible experience in India. Fabiano Caruana could not go over 50% with three wins and three losses. In the end, the USA placed fifth, which is not a good result considering the group of champions they listed, with Caruana, Aronian, So, Dominguez, and Shankland. Wesley was the only one to finish unbeaten, with 7/10.
The young Indian Gukesh D. made the headlines with a stellar performance, playing for India 2. After eight rounds, the teenage genius was 8/8, having beaten players like Shirov, Sargissian, and Caruana! Mamedyarov, in round nine, halted the dream, holding Gukesh to a draw.
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In Round 10, another young talent, Uzbekistan Abdusattorov Nodirbek (17 years old), inflicted the only loss to the 16-years old Indian. Gukesh finished the Olympiad with 9/11, gaining 26 rating points and entering the list of the over-2700-super-gms as the youngest player, in 24th position, with a startling rating of 2725!
Unfortunately for India 2, though, Gukesh's incredible performance wasn't enough to win the Olympiad. Uzbekistan, led by the other sensation Abdusattorov Nodirbek, clinched the title in the last round, defeating the Netherlands. Abdusattorov drew Giri, Yakubboev drew Van Foreest, Sindarov drew Bok, and Vakhidov beat Varmerdam, giving his team the decisive point.
Armenia finished second, which is a great success, considering the average rating of its team.
Magnus Carlsen participated and honored his effort playing for his country. The World Champion played nine games on board 1 for Norway, winning six and drawing 3. All of this to lose 3 rating points! The way to 2900 is not an easy one.
In the women's section Ukraine came away with gold thanks to the GMs Mariya Muzychuk, Anna Muzychuk, and Anna Ushenina.
Several teams had real chances of capturing the gold with India A sole leaders in the penultimate round, however, a last round defeat againt Team USA allowed the Ukranians and Georgians to take the top honors. Heatbreak for India A having to settle for Bronze.
Ukraine started the event slow but peaked at the right time, and did not lose a match which contributed to them edging the Georgians. The USA Team placed fourth.
You can see all the results (team and individual) HERE
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