Myanmar, Zimbabwe fall to Nigeria at Chess Olympiad in India

Nigeria bounced back to front line at the on-going World Chess Olympiad in Chennia, India with a massive win by the male and female teams against Myanmar and Zimbabwe respectively.

The win came after a disappointing draw score-line in all- African pairing in the fifth round against Kenya and Botswana in the Open and Female section respectively.

Team Nigeria bounced back to reckoning as the tournament hit half way mark.

The male team secured 2.5 to 1.5 win over Myanmar after Balogun Oluwafemi on board one secured a win against Maung Kyaw Hein and Bomo Kigigha in black pieces consolidated on Nigeria’s advantage with a win over Sai Han Thiha. Adebayo Adegboyega blundered against Kyan Mayat Aung to reduce the margin.

Akinseye Abiola played a draw on board four to give Nigeria a useful one and half points edge against the Asian nation. The result pushed the team to seven match points with 13.5 in Tie break 3 on the overall.

In the women section, Enomah Emmanulla Trust set the tone of a bright day for Nigeria on board one with a brilliant win against Charinda Kudzanayi of Zimbabwe but the lead was cut by half after Ofowino Toritsemuwa drew to Shaba Linda Dalitso on board two.

Tournament debutant, Ogbiyoyo Perpentual extended Nigeria’s lead on board three in black pieces against Makwena Christine but young Onoja Iyefu Joy lost to Zengeni Melisa on board four to cut Nigeria’s lead but on the overall it ended 2.5 to 1.5 in favour of the country.

The female team now has seven Match points and Tie break of 31. However, on the top boards, former world champion, Armenia still dictate the pace in the Open section on better tie break with USA and India Team two with 12 Match points and 33 Tie break 3

While in the women’s section, host India Team 2 is clear with 12 match points and Tie break 3 of 31.

Villagesquaresports/Emmanuel Ukoh