Exciting Start to the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad: Aronian Leads The Swindlers and Favorites Thrive in Women’s Section

In a thrilling start to the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, GM Levon Aronian of the United States faced a tough challenge against FM Andre Mendez of Panama. Despite blundering a piece against a much lower-rated opponent, Aronian managed to turn the tables and secure a victory for his team. The top-seeded United States team dominated with a 3.5-0.5 win over Panama, with GM Wesley So’s solid draw costing him a place in the top 10.

The first round of the Olympiad saw no major upsets among the top seeds, with most favorites securing comfortable wins. However, there were some nail-biting moments, including GM Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, and Aryan Tari narrowly escaping with draws in their games.

In the Women’s section, the top teams also prevailed with impressive 4-0 victories. Teams like Georgia, Poland, China, and the United States showcased their dominance in the opening round.

As round two approaches, anticipation is high as grandmasters gear up for challenging matchups. The action-packed tournament promises more excitement and intense battles on the chessboard.

Stay tuned for more updates as the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad continues to unfold in Budapest, Hungary.