2022 Chess Olympiad – African teams on the way
The 2022 Chess Olympiad, the world’s biggest chess event, kicks off on 29th July and is due to run until 9th August 2022 in Mahabalipuram, on the outskirts of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, India.
A record of 185 countries from the 200 FIDE membership are taking part. A total of 159 women teams are also participating in the event. This year’s edition will break all records regarding the number of teams participating.
The current World Champion Magnus Carlsen will also be in action for Norway.
The exclusion of Russia and Belarus has slightly dimmed the event due to the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Another notable absentee is China which is not taking part due to the Coronavirus.
The USA is expected to win, with India giving them a tough fight for the top spot in the Open section. The Ladies section will see India, Ukraine and Georgia jostling for the top spot.
Egypt will be represented by their top players, Dr Bassem Amin and GM Adly, on their top two boards.
On the other hand, IM Watu Kobese of South Africa will be making his 12th appearance at the Olympiad, an African record (1994, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022).
Another interesting personality on the way to the Olympiad is Leonhard Mueller,who is travelling as the Captain of the Namibia Women’s team. He has represented Namibia as a player in twelve Olympiads (1994, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018). Leonhard Mueller is a winner of two silver medals at the Olympiad (1994 & 1998).
Team Kenya departs today afternoon on an Air India flight.
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Social media sites have been awash with photos of the various African teams on their way to the event.
Links
2022 Chess Olympiad on chess-results.com.
Team Uganda set for 2022 Chennai Olympiad.
Liberia Olympiad Team set for Chennai.
South Sudan Olympiad Team set for Chennai.
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