RI beats Portugal in Chess Olympiad

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian chess players booked a 2.5-1.5 VPs victory over the Portuguese in the men's event while the women settled for a tie result with Bangladesh in the seventh round of the 34th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul on Saturday.

Hamdani Rudin was the hero of the day when he beat D. Fernando at the 42nd move.

Meanwhile three other chess players settled for tie results.

Grand Master (GM) Edy Handoko tied with A. Fernandes at the 34th move, Ruben Gunawan shared the point with L. Galego at the 36th move and Cerdas Barus played three times longer than his compatriots before ending in a tie result with P. Dias at the 101st move.

Indonesia collected 16 VPs while Germany is still leading with 20.5 VPs. Indonesia met Moldova on Sunday.

In the women's event, Upi D. Tamim beat R. Hamid after finishing their 45th move and in contrast Ai Zakiah had to bow out to Z. Sultana after the 33rd move.

Bangladesh and Indonesia shared the last point when Evie Lindiawati settled for a tie with N. Khan after 49 moves.

The women collected 10 VPs and met Wales on Sunday. China still leads with 16.5 VPs. (nvn)