Back-to-back defeats for Ja at Chess Olympiad

THE JAMAICAN NATIONAL Chess team suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Mexico and Guatemala respectively, as play continued at the 37th Chess Olympiad currently taking place in Turin, Italy.

Jamaica, who were on a high after securing an impressive 2-2 draw with the more highly fancied Finnish Team on Tuesday, received a comprehensive 4-0 drubbing from the Mexicans on Wednesday and were edged 2.5 1.5 by the Guatemalans on Thursday.

After five rounds of play, Jamaica with eight points, have managed to maintain their position as the top country from the English-speaking Caribbean ahead of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago who are both on 7.5 points.

A number of countries from the wider Central America and Caribbean (CAC) Zone have, however, rushed ahead of Jamaica. These include the Dominican Republic 8.5, Guatemala 9, Costa Rica 9.5, Nicaragua 9.5, El Salvador 11 and Ecuador 11.5. Cuba continue to lead CAC with 12.5 points, ahead of Mexico and Ecuador who are both on 11.5 points.

Russia and Armenia are now overall co-leaders with 15.5 points. Jamaica will next face Cyprus.

In the women's event, Jamaica won their first match in five starts when they blanked Qatar 3-0 on Thursday. They are now on six points, 6.5 behind leaders Russia and will next face Tajikistan.