Kathmandu, September 12

Nepal’s men team registered a 2.5-1.5 win over Jamaica in the ninth round of the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan on Sunday putting it in a strong position to claim the maiden medal of the championship.

The win meant Nepal climbed two spots up to second position with nine points. Nepal will take on Chinese Taipei in the 10th round and they will confirm the first-ever Olympiad medal with a win, informed Nepal Chess Association General Secretary Herakaji Maharjan.

So far, the men’s team has won four matches and played a draw in Group D.

In the ninth round match, FIDE Master Bilam Lal Shrestha beat Candidate Master Brandon Wilson, while Kshitiz Bhandari saw off FM Malaku Lorne. Bhandari, who has four points in individual section, also confirmed the title of Candidate Master with the victory.

CM Keshav Shrestha ensured Nepal’s victory over Jamaica after he shared points with FM Warren Elliott, while Sajin Maharjan, who has also confirmed the CM title, lost to FM Damion Davy.

In the women’s team event, Nepal played a 2-2 draw against Pakistan. This is third draw for the women’s team, who has registered only one victory in nine rounds.

The team had played 2-2 draws against Botswana and Guam.

In the ninth round, Sindira Joshi beat CM Ghazal Begum and Sujana Lohani produced a win against CM Nameeqa tun nabi Ul ummi.

However, Ashmita Adhikari suffered a defeat against Zenobia Wasif and Shanta Thapa lost to Gul Mehak. The women’s team will face Lesotho in the 10th round match.