Azerbaijan Win Gold At Euro Championships

At the European Team Chess Championships in Serbia, Russia held the lead going into the final round, but were dramatically pipped to the Gold by Azerbaijan in a thrilling end to the event.

A match win for Russia against their last round opponents Spain would have ensured overall victory, and when Morozevich crushed Vallejo-Pons on board two, they were nearly there.

However, Spain turned the tables when Salgado (Elo 2555) beat Alekseev (Elo 2725) on board four to earn a draw.

That left the door open for Azerbaijan to take the title if they could overcome the Netherlands team in their final match.

One by one, the games ended in draws until only Gashimov (pictured) and Stellwagen were left fighting.  Gashimov had an extra pawn in a theoretically drawn rook ending, but Stellwagen's defence eventually went astray with 70...Rf4?? allowing Gashimov to win the game and Azerbaijan to take the gold medal.

The top finishers in the final standings:

The Azerbaijan team in the last round (left to right, Mamedov, Mamedyarov, Gashimov, Radjabov) 

The winning Azeris at the closing ceremony (left to right, Azmaiparashvili (coach), Mamedyarov, Radjabov, Mamedov, Gashimov, Guseinov)

There was another close contest in the Women's event, with Russia and Georgia neck and neck going into the final round. Once again, the final result effectively came down to a single game when Nezedzha Kosintseva won on board three for Russia, ensuring the gold medal for the Russian women's team that had eluded their male counterparts.

The top finishers in the women's event: