RI beats Scotland in Chess Olympiad

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian male chess players managed to clinch their fourth victory in the 10th round of the 34th Chess Olympiad in Istanbul, Turkey Monday after overcoming Scotland 2.5-1.5 Victory Points (VPs).

With the result, Indonesia moved one step ahead in the overall standing to finish in the 34th place with a total of 22.5 VPs.

Indonesian ace player, Grand Master Utut Adianto -- who had won his previous six matches -- had to offer a draw to Jonathan Rowson of Scotland in the 30th move.

Edhi Handoko also had to offer a tie to Paul Motwani in the 81st move. Danny Juswanto and John Shaw agreed to end their match in a draw at the 38th move.

Indonesia's victory was presented by Cerdas Barus who had to fight really hard to overcome Douglas Bryson before winning 1-0 in the 104th move.

Indonesia will face Sweden on the 11th round on Wednesday.

Utut is expected to win his encounter with Ulf Andersson in the first board. Ruben Gunawan will meet Jonny Hector, Danny is to take on Ralf Akesson while Cerdas will see Brynell Stellan.

In overall standing, Russia took over the top spot from Germany after defeating Rumania 4-0 to collect a total point of 28.0 VPs. Germany narrowly trailed in the second place with 27.5 VPs followed by Ukraine with 27.0 VPs.

In the women's side, Indonesia only managed a draw with Albania. Indonesia finished 60th in the overall standing, one place better than Albania, after collecting 14.0 VPs.

Upi D. Tamim unexpectedly bowed out to Eglantina Shabanaj 0-1 in the 64th move. Fortunately, Ai Zakiah managed to win her match against Rozana Cima 1-0 in only the 26th move.

Yeni Riayaningrum had to play 44 moves before finally offering a draw to Alba Shabanaj.

Indonesia will meet IBSA on Wednesday's 11th round.

Upi was scheduled to face Lubov Zslitzova-Lisenko in the first board, Ai was to meet Teresa Debowska while Yeni was take on Esmeralda Sanchez.

In overall standing, China remains on top position with 23.0 VPs followed by Georgia with 22.5 VPs and Russia with 20.0 VPs. (yan)