~ Uzbekistan keeps marching towards gold as its two Nodirbeks continue to deliver
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 24.09.2026) :: With the finish line beginning to come into view, every half-point is becoming increasingly valuable in Samarkand. Uzbekistan continue to lead the Open section, with the two Nodirbeks playing a central role in the hosts’ impressive run, while a crowded chasing pack is still fighting to stay within striking distance. With only a handful of rounds remaining, the pressure is rising and there is little room for a slip.
In the Women’s section, China and Kazakhstan remain locked in a tie at the top after their direct encounter, while India, Georgia, Armenia and several other strong teams continue to battle for position. Surprises are becoming increasingly costly at this stage of the Olympiad, as every match can have a major impact on the medal race.
Ceremonial moves across the playing hall
Ceremonial opening moves are generally performed on the top boards, but occasionally politicians and dignitaries from other countries travel to the Olympiad and, naturally, would like to open the game for their own teams.
That, however, involves a little extra coordination. The media has to move swiftly from board to board, which is no easy task in a 163-meter-long playing hall!
The first dignitary to make a ceremonial move was Mrs. Veronique Herminie, First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, who opened her country’s women’s team game on board two with 1.e4.
Media attention then shifted to the match between Barbados and Aruba, where Mr. Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation and Member of Parliament for St. James North, Barbados, made the ceremonial move on board one.
The third ceremonial move took place on board one of the Costa Rica–Latvia match. Mr. Donald Rojas Fernández, National Director of the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation, opened the game for Costa Rica’s number-one player, IM Leonardo Valdés Romero.
Finally, everyone hurried back to the top board, where Mr. Husen Tuxtaev, Deputy Governor of the Samarkand Region for Youth Policy, Social Development, and Spiritual and Educational Affairs, opened Nodirbek Abdusattorov’s game with 1.e3, amidst a flurry of photographers and television cameras.
“A very solid move,” remarked Christian Chirila from the commentary booth. Peter Svidler immediately added his own humorous assessment: “Everything is protected – 1.e4 puts a pawn on an unprotected square. That is just not on!”
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