Kathmandu, September 5

Both the Nepali teams registered victories in the 42nd Chess Olympiad in Baku, Azerbaijan on Sunday.

The men’s team produced a 4-0 win against US Virgin Isles, while the women’s team defeated Swaziland by same margin in the third round to earn their first points in the tournament. In men’s section, 2099-rated Candidate Master Keshav edged past 2205-rated James Mctigue, while 2034-rated Sajin Maharjan defeated 1576-rated Anthony Mongiello.

Likewise, 2071-rated CM Bhupendra Niraula beat 1952-rated John Dempsey and the 2017-rated FIDE Master Bilam Lal Shrestha defeated David Conhott. This is the second win for Shrestha, who had defeated 2188-rated FM William Alfaro of Nicaragua in the previous round. The men’s team, who had faced defeats against Sweden and Nicaragua in the first two rounds, will face South Korea in the fourth round.

In women’s draw, 1574-rated Sindira Joshi saw off 1392 Nosimilo Mkhonto, while 1632-rated Ashmita Adhikari recorded a win over 1392-rated Thobile Mthethwa. Likewise, 1693-rated Shanta Thapa edged past Nikiwe Nxumalo and 1488-rated Sujana Lohani marked her Olympiad debut with a victory over Temabuya Ngwenya. The women’s team, who lost against Canada and Portugal, will next face Botswana.