30 July 2022

44th FIDE Chess Olympiad Begins in Chennai

Teams from Russia and China don't participate.

Photo: Lennart Ootes / FIDE
Photo: Lennart Ootes / FIDE


The 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad started in Chennai, India. The first games in the open and women's sections were played on 29 July. Any spectacular chess sensations haven't happened yet.  

The unalterable rating favourites of the previous editions, teams from Russia and China, are not taking part in the event this time. A clear favourite of the open section is the US team featuring Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, Wesley So, Leinier Dominguez, and Sam Shankland. The first Indian team is heading the women's tournament. Many famous grandmasters are participating in the Olympiad, including the World Champion Magnus Carlsen, board one of the Norwegian team.  

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