Barbados’ Open team win easily against Maldives at Chess Olympiad

Barbados’ Open team rebounded from defeat the previous day to comfortably defeat Maldives and notch their fourth victory at the 44^th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India on Sunday.

The Bajan men, ranked no. 124 out of 188 teams, were no match for 153^rd ranked Maldives and won easily 3-5-0.-5 in the ninth round of games at the Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre.

Justin Blackman, who lost for the first time in eight games on Saturday, returned to his winning ways to defeat fellow FIDE Master Ashraf Ahmed. It was Blackman’s fifth victory of the tournament in addition to his three draws.

Justin Parsons and Emar Edwards, who have both enjoyed a good outing on their debut at this level, also registered victories. Parsons won his fourth game by defeating Mujahid Bin Yazeed while Edwards collected his third victory by overcoming Candidate Master Fuad Ahmed.

Barbados were unable to complete the clean sweep after International Master Orlando Husbands was held to a draw by FIDE Master Shuaau Muhammed.

On the Women’s boards, Barbados suffered a 3-1 defeat against the higher rated Nigeria.

Barbados’ Women, seeded at no. 111 out of 162 teams, scored a big win from Gaybrianna Moore, but were unable to gain any more points against the 68^th rated Nigeria.

Moore, returning to the line-up in place of Chanon Reifer-Belle, defeated FIDE Master Perpetual Eloho Ogbiyoyo, a player with more than 500 rating points to claim her first win in four games.

Barbados’ other women went under as Woman Candidate Master Katrina Blackman, Hannah Wilson and Kiarra Eversley lost to Emmanuella Trust Enomah, Toritsemuwa Ofowino and Iyefu Joy Onoja respectively.

In Monday’s tenth and penultimate round of games, Barbados’ Open team will face Angola who are seeded at no. 93, while the women will be up against 119^th ranked Guam. (BCF)