Germany win the Women’s Gold

Annegret von Erichsen (nee Mucha) confirmed her pre-favourite status by winning the gold medal but she was pushed all the way by Belarus’ Alena Mikhalionak who surprised everyone by comfortably winning all her matches en-route to the final.  The German was pushed to the limit in the semi-final by the vastly experienced Ukrainian Svitlana Gonchar who managed to level the scores at 1-1 in classical play but she succumbed in the blitz play-off, a cruel way of ending her campaign.

The Belarussian had not anticipated taking on Kazakhstan’s Almash Nuserova who pulled off shock wins over higher rated opponents in Osupova (Ukraine) and Lusaski (Poland), but the Kazak’s dreams of reaching the final ended there for Mikhalionak’s smart positional play paid dividends.

A wonderful chess tournament that ran smoothly; all ladies are to be congratulated for their sportsmanship as demonstrated in the group text messages text; they had exchanged pleasantries. The arbiters found it an utmost privilege in officiating their matches.

Gold Medal Winner – Annegret Von Erichsen (Germany)

1st round: Beat S. Bambhu (India) 2 – 0

2nd round: Beat M. Szewczyk (Poland) 1-0

Semi-Final: Beat S. Gonchar (Ukraine) 2.5-1.5

Final:  Beat A. Mikhalionak (Belarus) 2-0

Silver Medal Winner – Alena Mikhalionak (Belarus)

Bronze Medal Winner – Svitlana Gonchar (Ukraine)

Bronze Medal Winner: Almash Nuserova (Kazakhstan)