Russia, India awarded as co-champions
Grandmaster Wesley So came through with a solid performance against many-time Olympiad champion Russia but it wasn’t enough to save the day for the United States as it crashed out in the FIDE Online Olympiad over the weekend.
The world No. 8 So, who is now based in Minnesota, drew with Alexander Grischuk in their team’s 2.5-3.5 defeat in their first meeting before beating the world No. 6 in their second matchup for a 3-3 draw.
With that team draw, the US settled for a semifinal finish while Russia advanced to the finals against India.
Overall, So finished with 9.5 points on seven wins, five draws and one loss.
Russia eventually toppled India, 4.5-1.5, in their second game to rule the event but FIDE later decided to award the two nations as co-champions after upholding India’s appeal because two of their players lost internet connection.