On September 18, the third round of the 46th World Chess Olympiad took place in Samarkand. Uzbekistan's main men's team defeated Austria 3:1. Uzbekistan-2 lost to one of the tournament favorites, Germany, while the country's third team crushed Morocco.
Javokhir Sindarov, playing his second game at the home Olympiad, defeated Austrian grandmaster Felix Blohberger (2552) with the white pieces on board two. This was the Uzbek player's second consecutive victory: the day before, he had scored a brilliant win over Peru's Diego Saul Rodri Flores Quillas. Sindarov gradually gained the upper hand and finished the game on move 44. The player's training, work with coaches, and participation in international competitions, including the 2026 Samarkand World Chess Olympiad, are supported by the National Bank of Uzbekistan.
Another winning point for the main team was brought by Mukhiddin Madaminov, who defeated Konstantin Peyrer. On board one, Nodirbek Abdusattorov drew with Kirill Alekseyenko, and Nodirbek Yakubboev drew with Lukas Dotzer. As a result, Uzbekistan defeated Austria 3:1 and celebrated their third consecutive team victory. Thus, the first team has won all three opening matches — against Jamaica, Peru, and Austria — and holds a maximum of 6 team points.
Uzbekistan's second team lost their first points of the tournament, falling to Germany, the fifth-seeded team, 1.5:2.5. On board one, Jakhongir Vakhidov lost to the German leader Vincent Keymer. Abdumalik Abdisalimov drew with Matthias Bluebaum, Muhammadjohid Suyarov drew with Frederik Svane, and Ortik Nigmatov drew with Rasmus Svane. After three rounds, Uzbekistan-2 has four team points — two wins and one loss.
Uzbekistan's third team defeated Morocco 3.5:0.5. Saydakbar Saydaliyev, Muhammadali Abdurakhmonov, and Asrorjon Omonov scored full points. Bakhrom Bakhrillayev drew his game. Uzbekistan-3 also has 4 team points after three rounds. The team's only loss came against Germany.
The rating leaders also mostly won their matches. The US beat Denmark (2.5:1.5), India beat Italy (3:1), China beat Bulgaria (3.5:0.5), the Netherlands beat Australia (2.5:1.5), Azerbaijan beat Switzerland (3:1), France beat Kazakhstan (3.5:0.5), Armenia beat Sweden (2.5:1.5), and Hungary beat Slovenia (2.5:1.5). One of the main sensations of the round was Norway's 1.5:2.5 loss to Singapore. Before the tournament, Singapore was ranked 50th and Norway 21st. Another unexpected result came from Kyrgyzstan: the 79th-ranked team managed to beat 31st-ranked Brazil 2.5:1.5.
Uzbekistan's first women's national team continued their winning streak, defeating Indonesia 3:1. Afruza Hamdamova drew with Diayeng Teresa Singgih, and Gulruhbegim Tohirjonova drew with Lisa Latifa. Umida Omonova defeated Shafira Devi Xerfesa, and Nilufarkhon Imamkuzieva defeated Chelsi Monika Ignesias Sihite. The Uzbek girls have won all three matches and collected a maximum of 6 team points. On the boards, the team has 11 points. According to the results of the third round, a number of other national teams, including the US, Romania, India, Poland, Vietnam, Israel, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and China, also have maximum results.
Uzbekistan's second women's team lost to Spain 1:3. Nilufar Yakubboeva and Asal Salimova drew, while Marjona Malikova and Madinabonu Khalilova lost. The third women's team, on the contrary, crushed Saudi Arabia 4:0. Zilola Aktamova, Maftuna Bobomurodova, Shohina Akhmedova, and Ozoda Shahzodova won their games. After three rounds, Uzbekistan's second and third women's teams have four team points each.
The reigning Olympic champion, India, defeated Greece 3.5:0.5. Kazakhstan beat Slovenia by the same score, China beat Turkey (3:1), the US beat Cuba (3.5:0.5), Poland beat Latvia (4:0), Armenia beat Croatia (4:0), and Georgia beat the UAE (4:0). Two teams among the favorites suffered defeats: Ukraine lost to Argentina (0.5:3.5), and France lost to Iran (1:3). Chess.com included these two results among the main sensations of the third round of the Women's Olympiad.
In the fourth round on September 19, Uzbekistan's first men's team will play Turkey. Both teams have collected 6 team points after three rounds. Before the round, Uzbekistan is ranked 4th, and Turkey 16th. Uzbekistan-2 will face New Zealand. Both teams have 4 points: Uzbekistan's second team is in 31st place, and its opponent is in 91st. Also, Uzbekistan-3, with 4 points, will test its strength against Yemen.
In the women's competition, Uzbekistan's main team, which has won all three opening matches and has 6 points, will face Argentina. Before the fourth round, the Uzbek female players are ranked 3rd, and the Argentinians 9th. Uzbekistan-2 will play Kyrgyzstan — both teams have 4 points each. Uzbekistan's third women's team will face Cuba. According to the results of three rounds, these teams also have 4 team points each. The competition consists of 11 rounds and is held on the Swiss system. Two points are awarded for a team win and one for a draw.
Source: www.gazeta.uz