Bajans rebound at Chess Olympiad

BARBADOS’ men’s and women’s teams rebounded to record victories at the 39th World Chess Olympiad in Russia yesterday.
After losing on the opening day, the women beat Tajikistan 2 1/2 to 1 1/2, while the men defeated Bahrain with the same scoreline.
Sheena Ramsay scored Barbados’ first win in the tournament, catching Asila Muhtojzoda of Tajikistan in a mating net after only 21 moves.
“I couldn’t believe that she moved her rook off the back rank when I attacked it with my bishop. I sat there saying, ‘Something has to be wrong, it has to be a trick’, but I just couldn’t see how she could avoid mate when I checked her with my rook,” Ramsay said.
Tajikistan’s troubles doubled when Katrina Blackman put Barbados two points up with her win against Lidiya Antonovia on Board 3.
On Board 1, Nathali Greenidge tried to force a win but finally settled for a draw after 63 moves against Marvorii Nasriddinzoda to give the Barbadians their first team victory of the Olympiad.
Tajikistan’s only consolation came on Board 2 with Nadezhda Antonova who defeated Rashida Corbin.
For the men, national champion Martyn Del Castilho scored the decisive win against Bahrain’s FIDE master Husain Ayyad.
International masters Kevin Denny and Terry Farley and FIDE master Delisle Warner had held the line for Barbados with draws against Ali Al Sulaiti, Khalil Bukhalaf and FIDE Maher Ayyad. (PR)