The Surinamese delegation for the Chess Olympiad has arrived in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This is the largest chess event in the world, with more than 190 countries taking part.
After a difficult preparation period, during which insufficient funds were raised, the option of the players’ own contribution was a temporary solution to still be able to arrive in time for the start of the tournament.
Based on the available flights, the delegation arrived at different times in Uzbekistan between September 12 and 15.
Based on the available flights, the delegation arrived at different times in Uzbekistan between September 12 and 15.
Upon arriving in Uzbekistan, they also faced a setback, with the delegation being placed in substandard accommodation, in a guesthouse instead of a hotel. This was raised several times with the local organisation, Fide America, and with the world chess organisation FIDE itself, but so far without a solution. As a federation, an official complaint has already been filed. “Hopefully, there will still be an improvement in the situation,” the association said.
The technical meeting was held on Tuesday, September 15, at the Hilton Samarkand Regency hotel, after which the organisation presented a resounding opening ceremony in the early evening. The first round was played on Wednesday, September 16, at 3 p.m. The men’s team played against Cuba and lost 4-0. The Cuban team fielded four grandmasters with an average rating of 2466. On board 1, FM Roger Matoewi lost his game against GM Jorge Reyes (2505).
On board 2, CM Suradj Hanoeman also had a difficult time against GM Dylan Berdayes (2462). Debutants Roger Orasji and Ethan Tjin Kon Kiem also lost their games against GM Stanley Martinez (2440) and GM Ermes Espinoza (2460), respectively. Suriname’s women’s team also had a very difficult first day. The Bulgarian women were too strong and won 3.5 to 0.5.
Only WFM Catherine Kaslan was able to save Suriname’s honour on board 3 by drawing against Woman Grandmaster Gabriela Antova, rated 2236, although Catherine had a winning position at the end. On board 1, WCM Elise Wu had to concede defeat to WGM Nadia Toncheva (2408). On boards 2 and 4, WCM Victoria Kaslan and WCM Alexandra Kaslan also lost their games against WGM Beloslava Krasteva (2343) and FM Gergana Peycheva (2225), respectively. It is also worth mentioning that the men’s team is coached by GM Vladimir Lazarev from France and the women’s team by GM Lazaro Bruzon from Cuba.
