Three weeks ago, China won the prestigious World Team Championship in Jerusalem, defeating Uzbekistan in the final match. The Chinese players won by a 2½ to 1½ margin. Spain got the better of India in tie breaks to capture the third position. Wins for Jaime Santos and David Anton created the blitz decider for third place.
Usually, China is a favourite for team events since its No 2 player worldwide Ding Liren, Wei Yi and others are capable of taking down anyone in chess. According to China’s national rating list, numbers 10, 16, 18 and 22 travelled to Jerusalem for the Team Championship. They were enough to win the gold medal.
Like China, India did not field its very best team, though it included grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin. Sarin is being trained at the Vishy Anand Training Academy. Anand is a former world chess champion.
