Armenia draw with China in Round 5 of the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand

The Armenian national team drew with China in the fifth round of the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. The match ended 2-2.

China became Armenia’s first opponent at this Olympiad from among the main contenders for the top places. All four games in the match ended in draws.

Armenia — China — 2-2

• Haik Martirosyan (2664) — Ding Liren (2733) — 0.5-0.5
• Robert Hovhannisyan (2642) — Wei Yi (2752) — 0.5-0.5
• Shant Sargsyan (2630) — Yu Yangyi (2710) — 0.5-0.5
• Manuel Petrosyan (2569) — Kong Xiangrui (2549) — 0.5-0.5

The game on the top board was particularly difficult. Haik Martirosyan faced the 17th world champion Ding Liren and managed to hold the decorated Chinese grandmaster to a draw from a difficult position.

After five rounds, Armenia have collected 9 match points, with four wins and one draw. The Armenian team currently sit seventh in the standings.

Another serious test awaits Armenia in Round 6, when they face Iran, led by super-grandmaster Amin Tabatabaei (2737).

Armenia women beat Peru

The Armenian women’s team also enjoyed a successful fifth round, recording their fourth victory of the Olympiad with a 3-1 win over Peru.

Mariam Mkrtchyan and Anahit Mkrtchyan won their games, while Lilit Mkrtchyan and Elina Danielian drew.

After five rounds, the Armenian women’s team have 8 match points.