Dresden Olympiad Nears A Thrilling Climax

The 38th Olympiad in Dresden has just one round remaining and there is still all to play for, with many teams still in the hunt for medals.  The USA have medal chances in both the Open and Women's events. 

Armenia lost the lead in the Open event round 9 by narrowly losing to Israel, but bounced back with a victory over Serbia in round 10 to regain the lead.  In the Women's event, favourites China have faltered badly, losing in round 9 and 10, leaving the competition wide open, with Poland heading the field.

Monday is a rest day, so the decisive final round takes place on Tuesday.  The draw includes the following clashes among the top contenders:

Open Round 11 Draw

China v Armenia
Lithuania v Germany
USA v Ukraine
Israel v Netherlands
Russia v Spain
France v Azerbaijan
Croatia v England
India v Slovakia

Women's Round 11 Draw

Poland v Ukraine
Germany v Sweden
Georgia v Serbia
USA v France
Netherlands v Russia
Romania v China
India v Armenia

Selected games from rounds 9 and 10 are shown further below.

Open Round 9

Armenia lost to Israel 1.5-2.5 with Boris Gelfand beating Lev Aronian on board 1
Poland and Germany drew 2-2
Ukraine beat Russia 2.5-1.5 with Efimenko beating Morozevich on board 4
Serbia shocked Azerbaijan 2.5-1.5
China beat France 3-1
England beat Vietnam 3-1 thanks to wins from Adams and Short
USA thrashed India 3.5-0.5 with Kamsky beating Sasikiran, and wins from Nakamura and Akobian

Open Round 10

Ukraine beat Israel 2.5-1.5 thanks to a win by Efimenko
USA beat Germany 2.5-1.5 thanks to wins by Nakamura and Shulman
Armenia beat Serbia 3-1
England lost to China 1.5-2.5 with Li Chao beating Gawain Jones on board 4
Russia thrashed Slovenia 3.5-0.5
Spain overcame Bulgaria 3-1 with Shirov beating Topalov on board 1

Standings After Round 10

Women's Round 9

China suprisingly lost to Serbia 2.5-1.5
USA lost 3-1 to Poland
Germany drew 2-2 with Luxembourg
Ukraine beat Romania 3-1

Women's Round 10

Ukraine and Serbia drew 2-2
Germany beat the Phillipines 3-1
Poland beat Armenia 2.5-1.5
China lost 2.5-1.5 to Georgia
Russia beat Hungary 3-1
France beat Azerbaijan 3-1

Women's Standings After Round 10